Structural diversity: a multi-dimensional approach to assess recreational services in urban parks

Ambio. 2014 May;43(4):480-91. doi: 10.1007/s13280-014-0508-9.

Abstract

Urban green spaces provide important recreational services for urban residents. In general, when park visitors enjoy "the green," they are in actuality appreciating a mix of biotic, abiotic, and man-made park infrastructure elements and qualities. We argue that these three dimensions of structural diversity have an influence on how people use and value urban parks. We present a straightforward approach for assessing urban parks that combines multi-dimensional landscape mapping and questionnaire surveys. We discuss the method as well the results from its application to differently sized parks in Berlin and Salzburg.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Austria
  • Berlin
  • Biodiversity
  • Cities*
  • Humans
  • Public Facilities*
  • Recreation / psychology*