Linking park utilisation and place attachment: towards liveable neighbourhoods

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of place attachment on park utilisation through interaction of residents. The correlation between attributes of place attachment (functional, emotional and social attachment) and social interaction (engagement patterns and levels of interaction) is tested within Malaysian neighbourhood parks. Findings are based on systematic field observation and a questionnaire survey carried out with 387 residents in three Malaysian neighbourhoods. The results demonstrate a strong correlation between attributes of place attachment and resident engagement with parks, thereby increasing the potential for social interactions. The level of functional attachment is strongly linked to both passive and active interactions. Hence, environmental planning researchers should further focus on the psychological attachment process of park users to provide more responsive and inclusive parks. As functional attachment was found to be the key for promoting park use and social interaction, this study argues that devoting further attention to functional needs of residents will help mitigate the issue of underutilised parks and enhance liveability of neighbourhoods. As the relationships between park utilisation and the influences of characteristics of place attachment remain poorly understood, providing insight on how to include attributes of place attachment in the design process of parks will enhance responsiveness of parks.