Characteristics of Pocket Park and Neighborhood Park Usage: A Case Study of Bangkok

Abstract

Public parks are important components of urban settings, providing public access to essential spaces for physical activity, recreation, and social interaction. These spaces are essential for promoting a state of holistic well-being, which includes physical, mental, and social health. However, the buildup of large-scale public parks has become increasingly challenging due to the rapid urbanization and population density of Bangkok. Therefore, creating smaller parks is a more practical way to increase the amount of green space in the city. According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, pocket parks and neighborhood parks are two of Bangkok's smallest public park classifications. The purpose of this study is to collect and compare the activities and usage patterns of three pocket parks and three neighborhood parks, with the aim of providing considerations for the design and development of small public park spaces to promote community health and physical activity. The methodology involved surveying and observing park usage via the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). The study found that most users of pocket parks and neighborhood parks are mostly used in the evening. Neighborhood parks are mostly used for walking, while pocket parks are mostly used for sitting and resting. Regarding physical activity levels, both park levels showed the following distribution from high to low: light physical activity, sedentary activity, and moderate to vigorous activity. Additionally, security issues are a significant factor influencing the number of users during the evening hours. The results of this study provide useful information for consideration in developing guidelines for designing small public parks that promote appropriate well-being and satisfy users' requirements.