Differences in Urban Green Space Uses and Qualities in Lower Versus Higher Income Contexts: A Mixed Methods Study in Québec, Canada

Kevin Bonnell (Wilfrid Laurier University)

While green spaces could help reduce health inequities, spatial discrimination results in people from lower income communities having more limited access to green spaces. However, the differences in people’s uses and perceptions of qualities of urban green spaces between lower and higher income contexts have rarely been explored. The study aimed to examine park users’ experiences to examine that question. Two sequential studies (qualitative and quantitative) were conducted in Québec, Canada. 1) In situ interviews were conducted with 322 adults in 16 parks (8 in deprived areas, 8 in privileged areas). Data was thematically analyzed, comparing themes in lower and higher-income areas. 2) Qualitative results led to developing comprehensive scales of park uses and qualities, which we tested in an online study with 479 participants (mostly women, aged between 18 and 78). Scores were then correlated with household income levels. The qualitative results show that people use parks for various activities that are similar in higher and lower income areas; however, people in the former areas were more likely to mention distracting oneself as a usage. In both areas, interviewees also mentioned similar park qualities, although people in lower-income areas were less likely to mention size, nature, and equipment diversity. The quantitative results indicate that people with lower income used park more frequently for social activities and relaxation. Perceived qualities were not significantly different based on income, except for decorative elements, perceived more negatively by people with higher income. Triangulation of the findings suggests that the relationship between income and park uses and qualities is complex, including significant points of convergence as well as subtle, yet important differences between lower and higher income contexts. From an environmental justice perspective, urban planners need to incorporate the voices of people from all socio-economic backgrounds to design wellbeing-promoting parks that benefit everyone.