Management Innovation Initiatives for Enhancing the Resilience of Community Green Spaces During Times of Crisis

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: This study explored how Suzhou City has applied innovative management strategies to help its community green spaces remain resilient during times of crisis, such as labor shortages, environmental challenges, and disruptions from economic and public health emergencies.This research sought to understand how these strategies can maintain the functionality of green spaces, which are vital for public well-being, especially during difficult times.

Introduction/Background: Community green spaces—such as parks and gardens—play a key role in improving public health and the quality of life in urban areas. They provide spaces for recreation, relaxation, and environmental benefits. During crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, these spaces may face significant challenges, including reduced maintenance, limited accessibility, and overall deterioration. This study focused on Suzhou City, which experienced a range of difficulties during the pandemic and other crises. It looked at how the city adapted its management practices to overcome these issues, and ensure that green spaces remained available and sustainable for its communities.

Methodology: The research followed a qualitative approach, combining document analysis, interviews with green space management experts, and field observations. Experts in urban planning and environmental management shared insights into how innovative techniques and strategies were implemented to address challenges in maintaining green spaces. Documents related to city planning, crisis management, and green space policies were reviewed to gather additional data. Observations of several green spaces throughout Suzhou City helped to assess the practical impacts of these management strategies. The data collected were analyzed to identify key themes and strategies that contributed to the resilience of green spaces during crises.

Findings: The study uncovered several significant challenges, including labor shortages, financial constraints, and disruptions from public health crises like COVID-19. Despite these obstacles, Suzhou City successfully implemented several innovative management strategies to ensure the resilience of its community green spaces. One key approach was flexible workforce management, which involved utilizing temporary staff and volunteers to sustain essential maintenance tasks. Additionally, cross-training existing staff to handle multiple roles helped to mitigate the impact of workforce shortages, ensuring that critical functions could continue uninterrupted. Another crucial strategy was the integration of technology into maintenance operations. The city adopted automated irrigation systems, digital monitoring tools, and online task coordination platforms to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on manual labor. These technological solutions streamlined maintenance processes and optimized resource allocation, making green space management more sustainable.

Moreover, Suzhou City strengthened its emergency response systems to maintain public access to green spaces during and after disruptions. Implementing well-structured protocols allowed for rapid restoration efforts, ensuring that green spaces remained safe and functional for visitors even in times of crisis. Community involvement also played a significant role in maintaining urban green spaces. Encouraging local residents to participate in the upkeep of nearby parks fostered a sense of community ownership and responsibility. This participatory approach proved effective in supplementing municipal efforts, particularly when official staffing was limited.Overall, these strategies were instrumental in preserving the resilience and accessibility of Suzhou’s green spaces throughout various crises.The findings highlighted the importance of adaptable and sustainable management practices that can be swiftly deployed in response to unforeseen challenges, reinforcing the role of innovation in urban environmental management.

Contribution/Impact on Society: This research offers valuable insights into the field of urban planning and crisis management, demonstrating how innovative practices can strengthen the resilience of community green spaces. By focusing on a real-world example from Suzhou City, the study provides practical lessons that can be applied to other cities facing similar challenges. The findings underscore the need for flexibility, technological integration, and community engagement in managing green spaces, especially during times of crisis. These strategies not only help maintain green spaces, but also contribute to improving public health, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

Recommendations: The findings suggested key strategies for urban planners and policymakers to enhance green space resilience. Cities should adopt flexible maintenance systems that can quickly adjust to workforce shortages and disruptions. Technology integration, such as automated irrigation and digital monitoring, can streamline maintenance and reduce labor dependency. Developing proactive crisis management plans ensures that green spaces remain accessible and well-maintained during emergencies. Lastly, community participation should be encouraged to supplement municipal efforts and foster a sense of shared responsibility in maintaining urban green spaces.

Research Limitation: One limitation of this study was its focus on Suzhou City, which may not fully represent challenges faced by other cities with different socio-economic conditions or management practices. Additionally, while expert opinions were insightful, the research could have benefited from broader community input, including feedback from residents who use these spaces regularly.

Future Research: Future studies could explore the long-term impacts of the strategies implemented in Suzhou City, particularly how these innovations continue to affect green space resilience after the crises have passed. Additionally, research could examine the role of emerging technologies, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems, in enhancing the management of urban green spaces during both routine times and crises. Expanding the research to include other cities and regions would also help in understanding how these strategies can be adapted and applied in different urban contexts.