Community’s characteristics and participation in the urban parks’ preservation in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Having a green environment, such as urban park as green open space (GOS), is one way to reduce global warming in urban areas. City development and population growth, however, have led to a decrease in GOS. The research aimed to (1) identify the characteristics and activities of the community utilizing the urban park, (2) examine the type and level of community’s participation in the urban park preservation and (3) analyse the relationship between the `community’s characteristics and participation level in the urban park. Employing the purposive sampling method, the researcher chose a city park with various facilities and the high rate of the visit. The respondents were visitors chosen through the accidental sampling method. The characteristics of the community that utilizes urban parks are very heterogeneous from factors: age, gender, education, social status, economic status, attitude/behaviour, and knowledge. Community activities in utilizing and preserving urban parks are very diverse (sports, leisure, and preservation activities such as maintaining the cleanliness of the park). Community participation in utilizing and preserving is included in the medium (quite participating) category. Significant factors with community participation in the preservation are factors of education, knowledge, and attitudes of the community.