Impact of urban parks on well-being of neighbourhood residents

Abstract

Landscape architecture is a field which can enrich the well-being of the human that enhance the quality of life. Although the definite relationship is yet to be discovered, the studies of well-being incorporates the concepts of satisfaction with life and the positive effects discussed under health, psychology, sociology etc. Objective of this qualitative investigation is to enquire the impact of urban parks on well-being of the neighbourhood residents under three variable factors such as Physical, Mental, and Social. This study measures the perceptions and preferences of population through their daily schedules, experiences and satisfaction assessed by user’s preferenceon thirteen identified variables influenced from three well-being factors (Physical, Social, and Mental). 20 participants from each park (total 60) were interviewed with a Questionnaire developed to assess the well-being of the neighbourhood of three urban parks (Wetland Park Nugegoda, Weras Ganga Park Bellanviila and Crow island Beach Park in Mattakkuliya) in Colombo. The findings revealed that the Physical and mental well-being has been positively affected while the social wellbeing shows a minor impact by the selected urban parks in Sri Lanka.Another observation of the study is that the impact on social wellbeing is comparatively low in every park while theCrow island Beach Park showed relatively higher social wellbeing index compared to the others. Whether is it due the design of the park or the more socially inclined lower income category who frequent this park more regularly could not be concluded from this survey, but further research could attend this matter.From the study it is evident that Physical, mental supportiveness is positively provided by the urban parks, but however supportiveness for the social well-being is not delivered to that extent to the nearby residents.