Factors Influencing the Use of Public Parks by the Elderly in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality

Information from the abstract

Public parks play a vital role in urban communities, as they provide accessible spaces for recreation and relaxation within close proximity to residential neighborhoods and workplaces. Urban residents can choose to use public parks after completing their daily activities in order to escape the congestion and density of city life. Key characteristics of public parks include open green landscapes, natural surroundings, water features, large trees, lawns, and facilities that support a range of recreational and health-related activities. In contemporary urban contexts, public parks are increasingly designed to promote physical exercise and enhance public well-being, particularly among the Elderly, who represent a significant and growing proportion of the urban population and who tend to use parks for physical rehabilitation, leisure, and social interaction. This study aims to compare three public parks located within Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality: Bung Ta Lua Water Park, Phumrak Park 2, and Nong Kae Chang Park. The objectives are (1) to compare the potential of these three parks to accommodate and attract elderly users, and (2) to examine the factors influencing park utilization by the Elderly in the municipal area. The research methodology consists of field surveys of activity areas within each park, preparation of activity zoning and site-use plans, and the collection of 392 questionnaire responses from park users across the three sites. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with elderly community members, along with interviews with landscape architecture experts. The data were analyzed using statistical methods to assess patterns of space utilization among the Elderly. The findings indicate that: Park Potential for Elderly Users Among the three parks, Bung Ta Lua Water Park demonstrates the highest overall potential in terms of attractiveness and support for elderly activities, followed by Phumrak Park 2 and Nong Kae Chang Park, respectively. This assessment is based on park selection patterns, spatial size, and the comprehensiveness of functional zoning and activity areas. Factors Influencing the Quality of Park Use by the Elderly Three key factors are significantly associated with elderly engagement in exercise and recreational activities: Environmental Factors: These influence both active and passive recreation. Active recreation includes jogging, walking, cycling, using outdoor fitness equipment, and participating in aerobic dance activities. Passive recreation involves enjoying a calm and comfortable atmosphere for sitting, relaxing, and observing surrounding activities. Effective environmental design requires accessible layouts, user safety, and sufficient natural surroundings that create a supportive and restorative setting. Behavioural Factors: Older adults use parks either individually (alone) or in groups (with family or friends). The diversity of spatial zoning and supporting facilities plays a crucial role in attracting both types of users. Individual users require quiet, private, and peaceful zones, whereas group users need spaces that facilitate collective activities and provide inclusive, publicly inviting environments. Social Factors: Social conditions that encourage park use include free access, minimal or no travel cost, availability of free drinking water, and organized recreational programs within the park. These factors foster social interaction and help prevent social isolation among the Elderly, extending their social engagement beyond the home environment. In conclusion, public parks designed for older adults must integrate environmental, behavioral, and social considerations in a holistic manner. The interrelationship among these factors should inform planning and improvement strategies for other urban parks to ensure effective performance, standardized quality, and responsiveness to the needs of elderly users. Ultimately, contemporary urban public parks should function as safe, accessible environments that support relaxation, appropriate physical activity, and enhanced well-being for the aging urban population.

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Related topics: Urban Green Space and Health · Place Attachment and Urban Studies · Urban and spatial planning