A Study on Mapping Characteristics of Community Park Usage Behaviors and Their Relationship with Social Interaction:A Case Study based on Changban Park in Tianhe,Guangzhou
FU Wen
YANG Wenyue
Abstract：As an important part of urban public space,community parks carry the dual functions of residents'daily leisure and social interaction,and play an irreplaceable role in enhancing community cohesion and promoting neighborhood harmony.However,community parks are facing many problems amid rapid urbanization,such as uneven use efficiency,insufficient spatial vitality,and underutilized social interaction functions.Existing studies have mainly focused on the physical characteristics of parks or on park users'subjective perceptions.However,there is a lack of in-depth exploration of the relationship between residents'actual usage behavior patterns and social interactions.It has also failed to reveal their intrinsic connection from a comprehensive spatial-temporal perspective.To fill this research gap,a case study of Changban Community Park in Tianhe District,Guangzhou City was conducted.Combining behavioural mapping and spatial analysis techniques,a research framework of"behavioral observation,spatiotemporal analysis,and social association"was established to explore the spatiotemporal patterns of residents'usage behaviors and their influence on social interaction.
Based on on-site observation data in late September 2024,a dynamic tracking of user behavior across different regions of the park at different periods was carried out using the systematic behavioral recording of behavioural mapping and spatial positioning method.The behavioral diagrams were plotted and kernel density was analyzed in ArcGIS 10.8.Combining with the Chi-square test and Pearson correlation analysis,the relationship between usage patterns and social interactions was quantified.The study found that the community park's usage behaviors demonstrated significant spatial and temporal variations.Temporally,the number of users of all ages showed a regular fluctuation of"three peaks and two valleys,"with the peaks concentrated at 8-9 a.m.,3-4 p.m.,and 6-7 p.m.The visitor flow rate on non-working days is slightly higher than on work days.Spatially,the entrance plaza,lakeside hard space,table tennis court,and fitness area have become persistent hotspots,hosting diverse activities and social interactions.
Further analysis shows a significant correlation between residents'usage behavior patterns and social interaction levels.Specifically,socialization with the attribute of"attention"is often accompanied by low-intensity,ornamental activities,such as prolonged observation and sitting.These activities mainly concentrated in the static leisure areas,such as the hard plaza by the lake.Socialization with the attribute of"connection"is closely related to medium-to low-intensity interactive activities,such as talking,walking,and playing.These activities are commonly found in spaces with high mobility and open views,such as the entrance plaza and main roads.High-intensity physical activities(e.g.,running and exercising)are not significantly associated with social interaction,suggesting that activities of varying intensities can still promote socialization opportunities.In addition,there is a structural differentiation in the usage pattern of different groups:the elderly prefer daytime low-and medium-intensity activities,while adults reach their peak activity in the evening.There are also obvious gender preferences for space:females prefer social open space,while males prefer sporty venues.
Based on the established analysis path integrating"behavior-space-social interaction,"this study reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of community park usage behaviors of residents and verifies the intrinsic connection between usage patterns and social interactions.The theoretical value of this study is that it extends the application of behavioural mapping to research on community-scale public space and provides a new empirical basis for understanding residents'spatial preferences for establishing social interactions.At the practical level,the study proposes that the social interaction-promotion function of community parks should be further enhanced by optimizing the functional composition of hotspot spaces,increasing seating and shade facilities,and rationally planning the spatial and temporal layout of high-and low-intensity activities.This study is based on short-term observations.In the future,longitudinal comparative studies of community parks across four seasons,multiple weather conditions,and multiple types of community parks can be conducted to further reveal the mechanisms by which spatiotemporal contextual changes affect usage patterns and social behaviors,and to enhance the universality of research conclusions.
Keywords：behavioural mappinggreen space usage behavioral modecommunity parksocial interaction
Publication Date：2025-11-30
Online Publishing Date：2025-12-09(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：11( 45-55 )