Urban green spaces and their role in public health : case study for City of Joensuu
Fazal, Mohsin (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121838212
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121838212
Tiivistelmä
Urban green spaces play a critical role in supporting both physical and mental health. In addition, they also support social interaction, leisure, and recreational activities. Though Urban green spaces may encompass community gardens, public parks, institutional grounds and much more, this study particularly focuses on parks, forest and meadows in the city of Joensuu. This study investigates the various dimensions such as green space use, accessibility and distance, physical activity and health, mental well-being, demographics, and perceptions and experiences to conclude their role in public health benefits. Additionally, online user reviews of urban green spaces were also analyzed to support these insights.
The data was collected through a structured online survey and Google Maps via Application Programming Interface (API). The results indicate that Joensuu residents are frequent users of green spaces, supported by good accessibility, high well-being scores, and varied demographic characteristics. Sentiment and Thematic analysis of user-generated reviews further revealed highly positive perceptions, with key themes.
Overall, the findings suggest that well-maintained, accessible green spaces not only improve residents’ health and well-being, but also strengthen the community engagement and year-round urban liveability.
The data was collected through a structured online survey and Google Maps via Application Programming Interface (API). The results indicate that Joensuu residents are frequent users of green spaces, supported by good accessibility, high well-being scores, and varied demographic characteristics. Sentiment and Thematic analysis of user-generated reviews further revealed highly positive perceptions, with key themes.
Overall, the findings suggest that well-maintained, accessible green spaces not only improve residents’ health and well-being, but also strengthen the community engagement and year-round urban liveability.