Sustainability of Urban Parks: Applicable Methodological Framework for a Simple Assessment

Teresa González, Pia Berger (), Claudia N. Sánchez and Faezeh Mahichi
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Teresa González: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20296, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Pia Berger: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20296, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Claudia N. Sánchez: Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer 101, Aguascalientes 20296, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Faezeh Mahichi: Asia Pacific Studies (APS), Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), 1-1 Jumonjibaru, Beppu 874-8577, Japan

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-22

Abstract: Urban parks are central to advancing urban sustainability and improving overall quality of life by providing green spaces that promote physical and mental well-being, mitigate environmental issues, and foster community cohesion. However, there is a lack of methodologies that measure these benefits and provide a sustainability rating. In this study, we propose a valuable tool for measuring the sustainability level of urban parks: low (0–50%), medium (51–79%), and high (80–100%). It employs effective and affordable measures for the daily management of urban parks. It is rooted in the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. We have defined 19 indicators (e.g., renewable energy and energy efficiency, environmental impact on society) and 50 criteria (e.g., clean energy generation, water workshops). A multi-criteria analysis facilitated the selection process for these indicators and criteria. This methodology is developed by characterizing and systematically documenting the park’s day-to-day operations. We present a case study of Cárcamos Park in Guanajuato, Mexico. Through this real-life scenario, we demonstrate our methodology’s high applicability and effectiveness. The sustainability assessment of Cárcamos Park reveals a level of 57%, with the environmental pillar at 47.7%, the economic pillar at 49%, and the social pillar at 75%. The adaptability of our methodology during the design phase of new parks plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable park layouts. Park managers can apply our procedure to any park, evaluate their sustainability status, and detect areas of opportunity.

Keywords: sustainability; urban parks; green areas; sustainable cities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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