The Role of Campus Green Space for Residents: Based on Supply–Demand of Recreation Services

Abstract

The campus is an important place for recreational activities among surrounding residents, which can alleviate the shortage of urban public green space (PGS). However, evidence is lacking on how much campus green space is complementary to the supply and demand of PGS. For this purpose, we chose Yangling, a university town in western China, as the study area. We compared perceived accessibility and the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the supply and demand of PGSs for residents with different purposes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the campuses were closed or reopened. After the campus reopened, the number of blocks that were able to reach their most frequently visited green spaces within 5 min had increased from zero to one (walking) and two to four (by bicycle). The proportion of blocks with a high level of CCD had increased from 28.6% to 42.9%. The reopening of campuses can significantly increase the perceived accessibility of PGSs within 5 min and 15 min by walking and bicycle, respectively, in central urban communities, but it was not significant in suburban communities. It also effectively improved the PGS supply of the block where it is located. For residents who aim to exercise, walk, go sightseeing, and communicate, its role was similar overall. For residents who aim to play with children, the campus green spaces could not bring significant improvements. In order to enhance the complementary role of green space on campus, it is important to improve its accessibility for adjacent blocks, increase inside footpath density, and add child-friendly facilities.