“To listen and observe nature” (shortened as “To be in nature” in Fig. 2 for editorial convenience) constitutes another important motive to visit the park (54.4%). This motive reflects a pure and disinterested need to feel nature around, to observe its elements, and experience them through the senses (i.e. smell, hearing, and sight). The motive “To escape from the city” is mentioned in 32.2% of the answers returned. This motive indicates that the park constitutes a sort of “oasis”, a refuge far from the traffic, the noise and the pollution of the city. Many respondents also mentioned the need to see other things than cars, buildings and concrete. In these terms, urban nature offers the possibility to escape not only from the worries and the routine of everyday life, but also from the physical contours of the city. Findings also indicate that almost 20% of the respondents visit the park “To be with the children”. In this respect, nature fulfils important social functions, strengthening family ties and providing safe places for children to play, which are increasingly scarce in modern cities. The benefits deriving from these functions accrue to both parents and children. It has been suggested that the senses of challenge and adventure children experience in nature contribute positively to their development (Cornell and Hadley, 2001). The reasons “To contemplate and meditate”, “To meet others”, “To walk the dog”, “To sport” and “To get artistic inspiration” follow in decreasing frequency. These motives reflect needs to experience solitude and to be on your own, as well as to meet other people and engage in social relations.
No significant gender-related differences were found