Strand 1 was designed to:
Provide reliable identification of different categories of users of urban green spaces and
how they use the range of types of such spaces, especially children and young people,
the elderly, the disabled and people from an ethnic minority background.
Determine the frequency and extent of use of urban green spaces and how this varies
by different types of users and geographic location.
Provide a comprehensive picture of the range and nature of activity in urban green
spaces, and the facilities offered.
Investigate what users want from urban green spaces and the extent to which the
spaces meet these expectations.
Develop a typology of open spaces and users that enables quick and useful reference.
Examine the ways in which parks and urban green spaces contribute to enhancing the
quality of life for people in urban areas and in particular the ways in which different
groups of people benefit from the range of types of urban green spaces.
Examine the barriers which deter different groups of people from using urban green
spaces and play areas and identify the key factors that would encourage greater use.
Examine how and to what extent parks and urban green spaces contribute to
enhancing the quality and performance of urban environments in terms of their social,
economic and environmental benefits.