Differences in Park Use Behavior and Perception between Groups by Frequency of Visit through Comparison of Yangju Urban Parks in 2014 and 2020

Abstract

This study was conducted to see the differences of park users by classifying them with their park use frequency in terms of park use, management policy and perception, using the same survey results conducted in 2014 and 2020. Research was conducted on urban parks in Yangju, South Korea, and 740 in 2014 and 431 in 2000 survey results were used. After classifying the high-use and low-use groups according to park use frequency, this study compared the demographic differences and park use method differences according to the group, the recognition differences for the future park management direction between the two groups were analyzed and compared using statistical analysis by year. The results showed that the park's quantitative expansion and accessibility improvements were the most important issues in 2014, while the importance of park management, such as checking and improving aging facilities, providing various programs, and creating a themed neighborhood park that could reveal the identity of the area, was increased in 2020. Despite recognizing the importance of persistent management in the case of high-use groups, the results showed that they were less willing to participate in park management programs compared to less-use groups, which showed the need for a discussion of how to involve high-use groups for long term park management. This study contribute the body of literature that it seeks to understand differences of park user in terms of their park use frequency. However, in future studies, analyzing the differences of park users through a short-term study is required.