Perceptions and Use of Urban Green Spaces, Leading Pathways to Urban Resilience

Angeliki T. Paraskevopoulou (), Eleni Mougiakou and Chrysovalantis Malesios
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Angeliki T. Paraskevopoulou: Laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, School of Plant Sciences, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Eleni Mougiakou: Laboratory of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, School of Plant Sciences, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Chrysovalantis Malesios: Laboratory of Political Economy and European Integration, School of Applied Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Agricultural Economics and Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-38

Abstract: This study examined residents’ perceptions, preferences, and experiences of urban green spaces in four regional units of the Region of Attica—West Athens, Central Athens, South Athens, and Piraeus—demonstrating how demographic diversity, urban morphology, and external stressors—such as extreme heat and the COVID-19 pandemic—shape green space use. The results show that, while green spaces are essential for health, well-being, and social cohesion, their distribution is uneven, which limits their availability (27.3%) and access (21.8%) to residents. Main concerns expressed by residents when visiting green spaces and open green spaces are poor maintenance (50.7%), lack of security (36.7%), and socially irresponsible behaviour (e.g., littering, vandalism) (32.8%). Extreme heat emerged as a major constraint on outdoor activities, particularly affecting women and the elderly. Household-associated outdoor areas (balconies, courtyards, and verandas) were highly valued (59.8%), highlighting the role of private green spaces in dense urban environments. Major metropolitan parks were the most visited and valued by residents for providing contact with nature (23.0%) and benefiting from stress relief (54.0%) while practicing their favourite activity, though their use was limited during heatwaves (30.3% of the residents do not visit). Most activities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic were reported unchanged, though reported increases in walking (34.3%) and park visits (28.3%) demonstrate the importance of green spaces in fostering urban resilience. However, the reported lack of engagement in gardening (48.0%), indoor plant care (41.2%) and bird/wildlife watching (58.3%) suggest missed opportunities for ecological and cultural enrichment. Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for integrated planning strategies to improve accessibility, maintenance, and equity in green space provision. By aligning with the sustainable development goals, the four regional units of the Region of Attica can transform its green infrastructure into an inclusive, resilient system that supports public health, social inclusion, and climate adaptation.

Keywords: urban green spaces; Region of Attica; inclusiveness; urban resilience; private outdoor spaces; green space use; accessibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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