[pp.145-154]

Park Visitors and Non-Visitors’ Perceptions and Preferences of Urban Parks: A Case Study of San José, Costa Rica

Gabriela MOLINA-MAINIERI, Yoritaka TASHIRO and Takeshi KINOSHITA （Chiba University）

Abstract:
From its beginnings in the eighteenth century, the city of San José has been growing in a very disorganized way. During the last 60 years, the accelerated expansion eliminated much of the green spaces in and around it. In the core of the city, few parks remain as the only spots where city users can take a break and relax. However, the number of visitors in downtown parks is decreasing, many people do not want to visit them, either because they perceive those parks as insecure places or because they think there are no recreation opportunities. In this study, we determine the reasons why some people enjoy visiting parks while others perceive park visiting as an uncomfortable and threatening experience. Two methods were utilized: [1] site observation to collect information about the different behaviors and activities inside parks and [2] a survey, to show visitors and non-visitors’ preferences and perceptions. The study identifies a great need to improve personal safety, recreational diversity and facilities. Also, It highlights the good level of maintenance and satisfactory amount of green as very positive features of these parks.

Key Word:
Urban parks, Users’ behavior, Perceptions, Preferences, Visitors and non-visitors

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