Accessibility, Usage Patterns of Forest Parks, and Their Relation to Residents' Behaviors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior - Evidence from Suqian, China

Accessibility, Usage Patterns of Forest Parks, and Their Relation to Residents' Behaviors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior - Evidence from Suqian, China | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Accessibility, Usage Patterns of Forest Parks, and Their Relation to Residents' Behaviors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior - Evidence from Suqian, China Faziawati Abdul Aziz This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4363219/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract As urbanization accelerates, there is an increasing desire for access to green spaces to promote human health; however, there is a scarcity of evidence documenting the characteristics that green spaces must have to provide genuine benefits. This research investigates the connection between greenery in public places and residents' health, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has boosted the need for such spaces. The focus is on understanding how forest parks are utilized and perceived by people in their daily activities, within the cultural context of China, with a specific emphasis on the constraints faced in China. The study examines the attributes of green spaces and the ecological characteristics of forest parks as accessible urban greenery, as well as their impact on the behavior of visitors. A survey of 338 residents visiting 5 forest parks from Suqian was conducted, utilizing a random sampling method for respondent selection. The results indicate that respondents use urban forest parks for relaxation, stress reduction, and enjoyable activities with family and friends. The research also reveals a strong connection between visitor usage patterns and forest park characteristics, including factors such as distance, safety, playground quality, natural elements, and quietness. Primary constraints that hinder the utilization of urban forest parks in Suqian were identified as the lack of time and long distances. Respondents expressed a higher interest in visiting forest parks more frequently if safety and accessibility were improved, along with the addition of extra amenities. These findings provide valuable insights into accessibility patterns and constraints related to the utilization of urban forest parks by Suqian residents. The research also offers suggestions for addressing public security and safety concerns based on residents' visiting habits. The outcomes of this research will be beneficial for future park development, design, and management. Forestry Green space forest park usage Accessibility Preference Behavior Theory of Planned Behavior Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 1. Introduction Numerous studies have shown the various advantages they offer, making them essential components of urban environments and contributing to the well-being of individuals 1 , 2 . Forest parks provide benefits to the urban ecosystem and surroundings, such as regulating the climate, capturing carbon dioxide, and pollution in the atmosphere reduction, water supply refuel, and preserving biodiversity. Often referred to as "the lung of the city" 3 and "the oxygen bar of the city," NFPs play a significant role in controlling air quality, reducing psychological stresses including anxiety and stress, soothing people, reducing nervous and sentimental tension, promoting residents' emotional well-being, and enhancing their mental and physical wellness. NFPs are a critical component of China's forest park structure, with distinctive scenery, priceless social treasures, and a healthy eco-environment 4 . NFPs play a vital part in forest preservation by offering a variety of ecosystem-related benefits including CO2 absorption, abundant oxygen release, enhanced quality of air 5 , water purification, and noise reduction 6 . Furthermore, NFPs can help to reduce the urban heat island effect and cool cities 7 . Notably, many of the cultural services that ecosystems offer benefit forest-based vacations. NFPs contribute to the advancement of scientific information and local economic development 8 . Through fostering a sense of place attachment, the acquisition of public spaces may contribute to a higher level of social cohesion 9 , 1 , 10 , living fulfillment, and increased interaction with others 11 , 12 . Urban residents can only enjoy the benefits of parks if they have reasonable access to them 13 , 14 . Numerous studies conducted in various cities worldwide have examined the impact of elements such as distance and time spent traveling 5 , park users' socioeconomic backgrounds 5 , 15 , and park features 1 , 2 on park accessibility. However, there has been a lack of distinction between forest parks and city parks, despite significant differences in their location, landscape, activities, and scope of services. Additionally, there is limited research exploring the factors that drive demand, and to the greatest of our understanding, no investigations have been conducted in China. As an outcome, our study aims to bridge this gap by concentrating specifically on the differences in park use between forest parks and other urban parks. If the quality of green space is important to spots, then the nature of urban parks is an important factor to consider. For example, the size of parks and accessibility have a strong connection to park use and a boost in people's activity levels 16 . We will investigate the importance of accessibility, forest park dimensions, and socioeconomic variables that influence interest for these parks. The findings from this study will help to improve the current research on the use and accessibility of greenery. 2. Literature Review 2.1. Literature Review Urban forest parks and green spaces play a pivotal role as integral components of urban landscapes 4 . They confer a multitude of advantageous outcomes, including the amelioration of air quality, preservation of biodiversity, and the provision of essential ecosystem services, such as carbon dioxide sequestration 17 . Furthermore, these parks serve as vital recreational areas, fostering leisure activities that enhance mental well-being and contribute to an elevated overall quality of life within urban environments 18 . Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the issue of accessibility to these natural assets within urban areas remains a relatively underaddressed concern among urban planners. Recognizing these advantages can motivate city planners to ensure sufficient and equitable access to forest parks for residents. One of the most significant variables for explaining park utilization by urban dwellers is park accessibility, which can be categorized into two distinct groups: real accessibility and prospective accessibility 19 . The first type emphasizes the utilization of natural environments, while the other focuses on the quantity of natural surroundings available in a specific area. The distance and duration of a trip are typical variables used to quantify accessibility, a concept rooted in Location Theory and Central Place Theory 20 . Previous studies have found that the distance or duration of travel can significantly influence how people utilize urban green spaces. To account for the possibility of the impact of socio-personal features on the capacity to access services, accessibility was defined as the ease with which individuals can reach their chosen activity areas. Judgments of park accessibility are strongly influenced by both park characteristics and the sociodemographic variables of park users. In a similar vein, additional variables influencing accessibility include the quantity and quality of available space, the socioeconomic background of users, the proximity to competing amenities, the capacity of facilities to meet user demands, the quality of facility maintenance, and the perceived safety of the facilities offered 21 . Other research confirms that the utilization of green spaces is influenced by various factors, particularly the proximity, quality, and quantity of available green areas 18 . Some research has focused solely on the characteristics of parks. For instance, citizens' utilization of their nearest green space is largely determined by the size of the park 23 . The use of natural surroundings is facilitated by greater attractions and shorter distances. Larger natural areas with more facilities tend to garner stronger preferences. However, park attendance is influenced by factors beyond park settings, including park facilities. The utilization of country parks by residents was found to be influenced by service facilities such as parking spaces and resting areas. It's worth noting that poor maintenance can diminish the appeal of green spaces within cities. The demand for ecological services is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics 16 . There is a pressing need for green spaces, especially since socially vulnerable groups have larger populations. Other studies primarily focus on the sociodemographic traits of park users, including factors such as race, gender, age, and income, which all play a significant role in park and greenspace utilization, as documented in existing research 24 . Certain academic studies indicate that people of color and those with lower incomes are more likely to have limited access to parks. Furthermore, some studies investigate the accessibility of urban parks for children, revealing potential issues related to equity and environmental justice. Forest parks, a novel yet significant category of urban parks and green infrastructure, could provide residents with a new and easily accessible source of ecological services. Different countries have various purposes for their forest parks. Recognized as critical human-use services provided by urban greenspaces, forest parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities, including leisure activities and aesthetic value, as well as amenities such as spaces for relaxation, sightseeing, physical activity, social interactions, and cultural activities, all of which cater to the recreation needs of urban residents and may assist in avoiding obesity and developing chronic medical conditions (refer to Fig. 1 ). 2.2. Theoretical framework 2.2.1. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) The Theory of Planned behavior (TPB) is a prevalent theoretical framework in the field of social sciences, employed to comprehend and forecast human behavior 26 . It suggests that intentions for behavior are shaped by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control 27 . The TPB is considered an expansion of the theory of reasoned action, with the addition of perceived behavioral control. This new notion has the potential to influence both intention and actual behavior at the same time 28 . Previous research has confirmed the high precision of the TPB in forecasting individuals' intentions to engage in different types of actions 29 , 26 According to the TPB, the combination of individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control is responsible for both intention and actual conduct, and this has been demonstrated to be effective 30 . Nevertheless, the significance of fundamental ideas in forecasting intention differs depending on the behaviors and settings involved. Figure 2 displays the initial configuration of the TPB. Research indicates that individuals' intention to utilize urban parks is influenced by various factors, including structural restrictions (such as physical accessibility and available free time) and intrapersonal limitations (like a preference for public parks). Additionally, the usage behavior of the visitor is indirectly affected by both intrapersonal factors (such as their perception of urban parks) and interpersonal limitations (including conflicts with other user groups). These factors collectively shape diverse intentions regarding the utilization of urban parks 26 . Studies in western nations, like Spain 31 , Australia 32 , and the United States 33 , have employed this idea to explain people's usage habits of urban parks. 3. Methodology 3.3. Study site Suqian City is located in the north of Jiangsu Province(refer to Fig. 3 ). The city experiences a warm temperate monsoon climate, including 4,603 square kilometers of arable land and 2,198 square kilometers of water surface (Suqian Municipal People’s Government official website, 2020; visit http://www.suqian.gov.cn ). In Suqian, there are five forest parks: Santai Mountain National Forest Park, Luoma Lake Forest Park, Ancient Yellow River Provincial Forest Park, Siyang Yangtze Forest Park, and Hongze Lake Provincial Forest Park. Santai Mountain National Forest Park is the biggest forest park in Suqian（refer to Fig. 4）. It is located in the Lakeside New District of Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, on the shore of Luoma Lake. Natural landscape tourism, cultural and artistic experiences, forest leisure and holiday activities, science education, and sports fitness are among the attractions and activities available at the park (official website of Suqian Municipal People’s Government, 2020; visit http: // www.suqian.gov.cn). As the biggest forest park, Santai Mountain National Forest Park, located 7 kilometers north of the city center, covers an area of 1270 (ha), serving as the central city’s “oxygen bar” and “back garden” with a forest coverage rate of 98% ( https://www.jssantaishan.com ). The forest park boasts a remarkable concentration of 20,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter and offers a comprehensive range of attractions, including forest landscapes, natural scenery, cultural and artistic experiences, forest-based leisure, and vacation activities. The forest park seamlessly integrates green space and health wellness (refer to Fig. 5) . 3.4. Method This survey uses random sampling. Regarding the size of the sample adequateness, the study used Sample size for an infinite population and the sampling formula (n = Z 2 *P(1-P)/e 2 ) 4 where N is the population size, z is the z-score, e is the margin of error, p is the standard of deviation, and discovered that a sample size of 338 is adequate for the assumption where p is 0.05, z is 0.95, and an error variance of 7.3%, even when the size of the study population is unknown. The respondents in this study were all residents and tourists from Suqian who willingly participated in the assessment of the overall utilization and limitations of urban forest parks. The participants were randomly selected and ranged in age from 18 to 65 years old. This research confirms that informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s). Surveys were distributed throughout the park using a convenience sampling technique, following the approach outlined by Scheaffer et al., ( 2011). Survey distribution occurred at various locations where visitors typically took breaks. To ensure effective data collection, the investigators first observed the flow of tourists in different areas of the forest park before initiating the survey. Based on these observations, specific spots and periods for conducting on-site surveys were identified. The subsequent sampling strategy was determined in terms of the desired sample size. We conducted a pretest with a small group of visitors to eliminate any inappropriate wording. As the COVID-19 pandemic had recently concluded and people were still affected by the restrictions, many residents had not yet fully utilized Forest Park. Therefore, the questionnaire was a combination of on-site and online surveys. The survey was conducted through Wenjuanxing, a web-based platform that generated QR codes and web links. Respondents could complete the questionnaire either by posting it online or by scanning the code on-site for the offline field questionnaire, which has an extensive population database and functions similar to Amazon Mechanical Turk. Given that our respondents were Chinese residents, the questionnaire was presented in Mandarin. The questionnaire designed based on ecological psychology 35 and conceptual model(refer to Fig. 2 )is divided into four sections: i) demographic information data; ii) forest park utilization; iii) motivations for visiting; and iv) barriers to using the Suqian urban forest park. For the research, the utilization of forest parks is a one-item choice, while motivations for visiting and barriers to using the forest park are multiple-choice. The respondents' participation was entirely voluntary, and they received no payment or reward for taking part in the study. First and foremost, our investigators explained the purpose of the study to the participants. limitation due to covid we use on-site and web-based surveys to obtain the sampling of users of NFP in Suqian. 3.5. Analysis The collected data were compiled and analyzed descriptively using the statistical package SPSS. This study employed several data analysis methods, including frequency analysis, descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression analysis. The findings have undergone a quantitative review to ascertain the reasons for the utilization of forest parks, patterns of usage, and the constraints hindering their utilization. 4. Results and discussion 4.1. Demographic features A total of 429 questionnaires were distributed, with 373 completed, resulting in an effective return rate of 86.9%. After excluding 35 invalid questionnaires, the final count of valid questionnaires was 338. These participants include pensioners, homemakers, office workers, and students. The forest parks in Suqian were visited by somewhat more women (54.44%) than men (45.56%) (refer to Table 1 ). The majority of respondents possess local household registration, with 261 individuals accounting for 77.22%. Conversely, there are 77 respondents with non-local household registration, representing 22.78% of the total Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents(N = 338). Respondents Number (n) Percent (%) Respondents Number (n) Percent (%) Gender Male 154 45.56 Divorced 7 2.07 Female 184 54.44 Widower - - Census register Local household registration 261 77.22 Occupation Students 26 7.69 Non-local household registration 77 22.78 Public sector 122 36.09 Educational level Primary school and below 1 0.30 Private employee 96 28.40 Junior high school 12 3.55 Self-employed 65 19.23 High school/secondary 35 10.36 Pensioner 2 0.59 University 244 72.19 Unemployed 24 7.10 Postgraduate 49 14.50 Monthly income 10,000 Yuan 68 20.12 46–55 23 6.80 Exercise habits regular 108 31.95 56–65 6 1.78 irregular 230 68.05 > 65 2 0.59 Health self-assessment good 83 24.56 Marital status Single 107 31.66 fair 233 68.93 Married 224 66.27 bad 22 6.51 The age range with the greatest percentage of respondents—55.92%—was between 31 and 45 years old. The following age group, with 34.91% of the total, was that of 18 to 30 years old. The respondents who were 46 to 55 years old made up 6.80% of the sample, compared to 1.78% and 0.59% for respondents who were 56 to 65 years old and over 65. It can be observed that respondents for this particular question were primarily concentrated in the age groups of 31–45 and 18–30 years old. The distribution of education level options is as follows: 0.30% of respondents indicated elementary school and below, 3.55% indicated middle school, 10.36% indicated high school, 72.19% indicated university, and 14.50% indicated graduate students. The highest proportion of options was for university, followed by graduate students, while the lowest proportion was for elementary school and below. In this particular sample of data, the married population comprised the largest proportion, reaching 66.27%. The single population accounted for 31.66% of the respondents. On the other hand, the divorced population constituted a smaller proportion of 2.07%, while there were no individuals classified as widowed in the sample. It is important to note, however, that due to the small number of samples, these findings should be comprehended with caution. Further analysis considering the actual context is necessary to ensure accurate and representative conclusions. Concerning occupation, public sector employees represent the highest percentage at 36.09%, followed by private sector employees at 28.40%. Self-employed individuals account for 19.23% of the respondents, while students comprise 7.69%. Non-workers and retirees have lower percentages at 7.10% and 0.59%, respectively. Out of the respondents, 108 individuals reported having regular exercise habits, accounting for 31.95%. In contrast, 230 respondents had irregular exercise habits, making up 68.05% of the total. The majority of survey participants had irregular exercise habits. According to the data analysis, a significant percentage of respondents, specifically 24.56%, described their health as "very healthy". The majority, accounting for 68.93%, rated their health as "good". A smaller proportion, 6.51%, considered themselves to be in an "unhealthy" state. These findings indicate that most participants have a positive perception of their health, categorizing themselves as either "very healthy" or "good". However, it is essential to be aware that additional investigation and contextual analysis are required to reach comprehensive conclusions. 4.2. The pattern of use of Forest Park The urban forest park usability pattern was displayed(refer to Table 2 ). The majority of respondents in the study, comprising 61.83%, reported visiting the forest park only 1–2 times per year. This is hardly surprising given that 42.01% require driving more than 30 minutes to access the urban forest park. A significant proportion, 14.20%, indicated visiting the forest park 1–2 times per month. A smaller percentage, 4.14%, reported visiting 1–2 times per week, while only 1.48% reported visiting 3–4 times per week. Notably, none of the participants reported going to the forest park every day. Furthermore, 5.33% of respondents said they had never visited the NFP. Furthermore, the vast majority of respondents (94.08%) prefer to visit the NFP in groups, with 66.86% visiting with family members and 25.15% visiting with friends. Meanwhile, people (5.92%) prefer not to visit or use the park by themselves. Interestingly, only three individuals out of the total respondents chose to travel with their dogs. This data provides insights into people's preferences for companions when traveling, with family and friends being the most common choices. The lower percentages for traveling alone or with pets may suggest that people prefer to have companionship or assistance during their travels, as they might require support or care along the way. This is comparable to previous research of other cultures, especially the Italians Sanesi & Chiarello, 2006), Malaysians (Maruthaveeran Sreetheran, 2017; Balai Kerishnan et al., 2020), Rotterdam 38 Turks 39 , Hispanics 40 , and Latinos(Wright Wendel et al., 2012; Byrne, 2012) where the majority of these residents like to attend urban parks in big groups with family, friends, or dogs. But white Americans who use parks are different since 88% of them go alone or with only one other individual 42 . A similar pattern was observed among white park users in a Los Angeles survey when more than half of them frequented parks individually. 43 . This trend was also observed among Dutch park visitors, who preferred to go alone, in pairs, or small groups 44 . Several studies have found that either the presence or lack of an accompanying person influences the enjoyment of various surroundings for psychological healing. People in urban areas often prefer the company of a friend for a variety of reasons, including safety 45 . However, When safety is not an issue, the lack of a companion also improves rehabilitation. This conclusion is reinforced by other studies, which also show that women, who often experience more fear than men, prefer to visit NFPs with family members or other people compared to going alone 46 . The residents in Suqian prefer to use the urban forest park during holidays (35.21%), Weekends(26.63%), and during their free time ( 26.33%), in the morning (43.49%), afternoon (38.17%), as well as evening (15.68%). The similar number of visitors to the forest park in the morning and the evening can be attributed to Suqian's location in a warm, temperate monsoon climate zone. Heat can indeed influence the preferred time of day for visiting or using parks 46 . A separate study reveals that the majority of Danes prefer to be in parks during the afternoon 47 . This tendency is consistent with cultural norms in Western nations, where it is typical to sunbathe or spend time in the sun, especially in summertime. This insight also applies to Nordic nations like Finland, where temperatures are often cool and sunshine is greatly valued 48 . In contrast, urbanites in Singapore and Malaysia, both tropical countries, prefer to visit urban parks on vacations and weekdays, particularly in the morning and evening. This preference is influenced by the tropical climate of Malaysia, characterized by high humidity and temperature year-round. Spending time in parks, especially during the afternoon, can be uncomfortable due to these weather conditions. A similar observation was reported in a different investigation on urban greenery usage in Kuala Lumpur 52 . The survey participants spent 132 visitors, or 39.05% of the total, at the UFP, with the majority of them being there for 1–2 hours. The second largest group, with 119 visitors, spent 2–3 hours, accounting for 35.21%. A smaller number of visitors, 28 in total, spent less than 1 hour, representing 8.28%. Furthermore, 42 visitors (12.43%) spent 3–4 hours, while only 17 visitors (5.03%) spent more than 4 hours in the park. Overall, the majority of tourists spent 1–3 hours visiting the forest park, while fewer visitors stayed for more than 4 hours. The percentage breakdown of transportation choices among respondents is as follows: walking 12.72%, bicycles 4.73%, electric vehicles 8.58%, motorcycles 0.59%, cars 65.38%, public transportation 6.51%, and others 1.48%.According to the survey results, the majority of respondents (65.38%, or 221 participants), indicated that they prefer to travel to the urban forest park by car. The reason for this is that NFP is on the outskirts, far from residential areas. This outcome was comparable to that of a study on the use of urban parks in Kuala Lumpur. The primary explanations for why Malaysians drive to parks are shorter commute times, lower costs, and affordable gasoline 50 . Inadequate accessibility to public transportation and a lack of acceptable routes were two more concerns that discouraged Malaysians from using public transportation as their primary means of mobility 50 . Similar difficulties confront Italians in Bari, where insufficient transport options have forced residents to rely on vehicles or walk to reach greenery 36 . It is evident that the highest proportion of respondents, 65.38%, chose cars as their preferred mode of transportation. Walking and electric vehicles were the next most popular choices, with percentages of 12.72% and 8.58% respectively. The proportion of respondents who preferred bicycles and public transportation was lower, at 4.73% and 6.51% respectively. According to the data, 52.37% of respondents required 10–30 minutes to reach the forest park, while 30.77% needed 30–60 minutes. Furthermore, 11.24% reported taking more than 1 hour to reach the park, whereas only 5.62% were able to reach it in less than 10 minutes. These findings indicate that the majority of individuals need to allocate a certain amount of time to reach the forest park, which can potentially influence their travel plans and itinerary. Previous studies have extensively examined the relationship between park proximity and park use, with a predominant focus on research conducted in the Global North. However, there has been a relative lack of attention given to exploring the potential interactions between park proximity and park use, despite their significance within socio-ecological frameworks that guide many studies 1 . A recent study involving nearly 8,000 residents from eleven cities in 10 countries across Central and South America aimed to investigate the associations between perceived park proximity and park use. The findings of this study confirm positive correlations between perceived park proximity and park use 1 , 51 , 52 . Furthermore, additional studies have also offered supporting evidence in this regard. For example, a Canadian study revealed that park use was more closely related to the amenities and facilities available in the parks rather than their proximity 53 . Another study conducted in Canada Lackey and Kaczynski, (2009) found no significant association between park-based physical activity and objective or perceived park proximity. However, it did indicate that such physical activity was more likely to occur when objective and perceived proximity aligned. To gain a better understanding of these associations, further research in this region is warranted. Future studies should employ more sophisticated objective and perceived park measures that effectively capture the diverse features and attributes of parks. Based on the data provided, the majority of residents, accounting for 44.08%, are located 5–10 km away from the forest park. The next largest group, comprising 30.18% of residents, is located more than 10 km away. A smaller proportion of residents, 14.50%, are situated 2–5 km away, while 7.41% are located 1–2 km away. The smallest percentage, 3.85%, represents residents who are less than 1 km away from the forest park. In summary, the data indicates that the largest concentration of residents is found in the 5–10 km distance range from the forest park, while fewer residents are located closer or farther away. Table 2 Analysis of forest park usage patterns. (N = 338) Usability pattern Frequency(n) Percentage(%) Frequency of urban forest park visits 1–2 times/year 209 61.83 1–2 times/month 48 14.20 1–2 times/week 14 4.14 3–4 times/week 5 1.48 Daily - - Never 18 5.33 When do you prefer to come to this forest Park?) Weekdays 18 5.33 Weekends 90 26.63 Holidays 119 35.21 Special events 22 6.51 During spare time 89 26.33 What time of the day do you prefer to visit this forest Park? Morning 147 43.49 Afternoon 129 38.17 Evening 53 15.68 Night 9 2.66 Length of time spent 4h 17 5.03 Mode of transportation on Foot 43 12.72 Bicycle 16 4.73 Electric bikes 29 8.58 Motorcycle 2 0.59 Car 221 65.38 Public transport 22 6.51 Others 5 1.48 Travel time 1h 38 11.24 How far have you traveled to get here? 10km 102 30.18 Visit with whom? Alone 20 5.92 With family 226 66.86 With friends 85 25.15 With dog 3 0.89 Others 4 1.18 4.3. Motives for visiting Forest Park Like other nations, the Chinese utilize urban forest parks for a variety of motives (refer to Table 3 ). The primary reasons for visiting the forest park were relaxation and stress reduction (58.58%) and spending time with family and friends (57.40%). Even in other studies on urban parks conducted abroad, this is a frequent occurrence 18 . This illustrates the importance of such greenery in urban settings, where individuals may get a break from their regular routines or job and connect with nature and all of its different features 16 . It was noted that Italians in Bari go to public open spaces to unwind and breathe easier 36 , similar to the results of research conducted at Amsterdam's Vondelpark, where almost all park visitors come to relax. The same pattern was also observed in responders from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, who typically went to urban parks to unwind, as well as among park users in Gyeongsan City, South Korea 55 . These motivations align with the concept of using natural environments for recreational and social purposes. The forest park offers a tranquil and rejuvenating setting, allowing individuals to escape the demands and pressures of daily life. Additionally, the park serves as a gathering place for families and friends, providing opportunities for bonding and shared experiences. Similar research revealed that Malaysians, irrespective of their ethnicity, have a strong feeling of familial attachment and a significant propensity for taking part in family-oriented activities 49 . Table 3 The motives for visiting urban forest parks(N = 338). Reasons for Visiting Urban Forest Parks Frequency(n) Percent(%) To relax and reduce stress 198 58.58 To get fresh air 188 55.62 To learn about local culture and arts 66 19.53 To exercise, play games, keep in shape 63 18.64 To do something together with family and friends 194 57.40 To participate in the company's union group activities 32 9.47 To meet people 29 8.58 To enjoy nature 154 45.56 To obtain peace and quiet 91 26.92 For lunch break walks 36 10.65 Dog walking or other pets 16 4.73 To attend educational activities for children 23 6.80 To enjoy the flowers 72 21.30 No special areas to go other than forest parks 21 6.21 Furthermore, a significant proportion of respondents (55.62%) cited the desire to get fresh air as a reason for visiting the forest park. This finding indicates that individuals value the clean and natural environment provided by the park, which can have positive effects on their physical and mental well-being. The opportunity to enjoy nature (45.56%) was also a significant factor, reflecting the aesthetic appeal and ecological value of the forest park. Immersion in natural surroundings can evoke feelings of tranquility, awe, and connectedness to the natural world. A smaller percentage of respondents expressed interest in specific activities within the forest park. Some visited to appreciate flowers (21.30%), highlighting the aesthetic appreciation and sensory experience of floral displays. Additionally, a minority engaged in union reunion activities (9.47%) and dating (8.58%), indicating that the park serves as a venue for social events and romantic encounters. Other motivations for visiting the forest park included cultural exploration and art appreciation (19.53%), walking dogs or other animals (4.73%), participating in educational activities for children (6.80%), and taking a break during lunchtime (10.65%). These reasons demonstrate the diverse range of interests and purposes that draw individuals to the forest park. It is worth noting that a small proportion of respondents (6.21%) indicated that they chose the forest park because there were no other specific destinations available to them. This suggests that the forest park serves as a default option for recreational activities in the area, indicating its importance as a community resource. Overall, these findings provide insights into the multifaceted motivations and benefits associated with visiting the forest park, highlighting its significance as a space for relaxation, social interaction, environmental engagement, and cultural enrichment. 4.4. Constraints to visit forest park Urban forest park use constraint is presented in descending order in Fig. 6 . The overwhelming majority of respondents (195 respondents, 57.69%) cited "time" (being too busy) as the main barrier preventing them from visiting NFP. This was followed by "distance" (172, 50.89%). Additionally, some respondents highlighted "seasonal factors" (89, 26.33%), "weather factors" (82, 24.26%), "ticket price" (63, 18.64%), and "crowded activity area" (62, 18.34%). Others mentioned "poor hygiene of the urban forest park" (45, 13.31%) and "inadequate facilities in the activity area" (42, 12.43%). Other reasons given for not visiting the forest parks included "poor public transportation" (40, 11.83%), safety factors (35, 10.36%), "no companion" (29, 8.58%), "poor forest park management" (20, 5.92%), "unawareness of park existence" (13, 3.85%), "lack of accessibility" (12, 3.55%), "pollution problem" (12, 3.55%), and "feeling afraid in the forest" (12, 3.55%). The detailed findings can be found in Table 4 . In line with earlier research on the restrictions impacting the use of green spaces 16 , 56 , ' time' was identified as the primary constraint. Urban inhabitants' hectic and strenuous lifestyles may have hampered their use of urban forest parks or their capacity to fit park visits into their hectic schedules. Similar to findings from earlier studies on urban green spaces, travel time has a statistically significant impact on how inhabitants in Suqian use urban forest parks 24 . In contrast, however, it is noteworthy that travel time has a small and statistically insignificant effect on the use of country parks by Shanghai residents (Gu et al., 2020). In different seasons, the number of visitors varies. Regarding human behavior, tourists are mainly concentrated in spring, summer, and autumn, with winter witnessing the fewest visitors. This trend is influenced by Suqian's location within the East Asian Monsoon Climate Zone, which is marked by four distinct seasons. Winters in Suqian are characterized by cold weather and withered vegetation, leading to a reduced tourist influx during this period. Additionally, winter is also the season when COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks are more likely to occur, further discouraging tourist gatherings. Table 4 Forest Park Use Constraint (N = 338) What is the main constraint that hinders you from using the forest park in Suqian China? Frequency(n) Percent(%) Time 195 57.69 Distance 172 50.89 Poor hygiene of the urban forest park 45 13.31 Crowded activity area 62 18.34 Safety factors 35 10.36 Seasonal factors 89 26.33 Weather factors 82 24.26 Poor forest park management 20 5.92 Inadequate facilities in the activity area 42 12.43 Unaware of park existence 13 3.85 Lack of accessibility 12 3.55 Pollution problem 12 3.55 Poor public transportation 40 11.83 No companion 29 8.58 Feel afraid in the forest 12 3.55 Ticket price 63 18.64 Will you use the forest park more if changes were implemented to make the forest park accessible or if more facilities were provided? Yes 214 63.31 Maybe 109 32.25 No 9 2.66 No response 6 1.78 4.5. Perception of forest park safety Additionally, the respondents were questioned regarding their feelings of safety while using the NFP (refer to Table 5 ). One of the elements impacting the use of urban green spaces is safety, notably the fear of crime 58 . It is noteworthy that more than 90% of the respondents in this study expressed feeling safe in the forest parks of Suqian. Because the security and management in the scenic spot are very strict. Safety concerns can impact social interactions within the park. People may be hesitant to socialize or make new connections if they are worried about their safety. Conversely, a safe park environment can foster positive social interactions and a sense of community. One possible reason for this is that the forest park in Suqian charges an entrance fee, allowing for the implementation of robust security facilities. This sense of security stems from the fact that a great deal of those surveyed attend the parks in categories, accompanied by close relatives or acquaintances. Because Chinese people like to spend time in parks for socializing and bonding with family and friends. However, previous studies have indicated that females tend to visit urban parks less frequently than males due to safety concerns 59 . For instance, in Bari, Italy, nearly half of locals reported feeling insecure in their city parks 36 . Similarly, A survey conducted in the United States Atlanta and Philadelphia revealed major worries regarding park security among citizens 60 . Due to seasonal factors, more tourists visit the forest parks in the spring, summer, and autumn; however, few tourists visit during the cold winter months, when the plants wither and few tourists visit. Table 5 Perception of safety in urban forest parks of Suqian (N = 302). Do you think the forest park is safe? Frequency(n) Percent(%) Very safe 125 41.39 Safe 171 56.62 Not very safe 23 7.62 Very Unsafe 3 0.99 5. Conclusion This study reveals that the residents highly value the creation and utilization of green spaces within their living and working environments. The research advocates for a strategy that seeks to harmonize worker well-being with urban lifestyle demands. It underscores the significance of urban green spaces and forest parks in defining the city's identity, construction, and environmental offerings, recommending the expansion of urban forest parks and green areas in central locales. However, it also highlights the necessity of augmenting existing urban forest parks by improving accessibility, facilities, and safety protocols, ensuring comprehensive access for the entire urban populace with proper management and upkeep. Further investigation into the personal, societal, and cultural influences on individuals' allocation of time between indoor entertainment and outdoor activities is deemed essential. A deeper comprehension of these elements can inform strategies to increase engagement with urban forest parks and strengthen the bond between communities and the natural world. The study’s descriptive outcomes illuminate the motivations for park usage and the barriers deterring visits to urban forest parks. A thorough analysis that considers the dynamics among various factors is imperative for identifying key determinants of usage patterns and constraints in urban forest parks. Moreover, the research suggests that engaging in contextual dialogues within the study setting can yield insights into the unique cultural inclinations and preferences of park users, thereby informing the design and management of urban green spaces. Ultimately, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of park usage, emphasizing the necessity of customizing urban green spaces to align with the cultural context and preferences of the local demographic. By improving accessibility, enhancing facilities and safety, and addressing the varied needs and motivations of park users, urban forest parks can evolve into vibrant, inclusive environments that nurture a profound connection between individuals and nature. Declarations Data availability In this study, the data used were freely downloaded from Visit (http://www.bigemap.com) for more information, based on the open-source data provided by BIGEMAP. The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Statement: The same data as in the manuscript are the data availability data. Statement A statement that all experimental protocols were approved by Universiti Putra Malaysia. 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Leisure Sci 24:143–159 Loukaitou-Sideris A (1995) Urban Form and Social Context: Cultural Differentiation in the Uses of Urban Parks. J Plann Educ Res 14:89–102 Peters KBM, Elands BHM, Buijs AE (2010) Social interactions in urban parks: Stimulating social cohesion? Urban Forestry Urban Green 9:93–100 Staats H, Hartig T (2004) Alone or with a friend: A social context for psychological restoration and environmental preferences. J Environ Psychol 24:199–211 Sreetheran Maruthaveeran. A Socio-Ecological Approach of Fear of Crime in Urban Green Spaces - A Case in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2015) 10.13140/RG.2.1.1692.4005 Peschardt K, Schipperijn J, Stigsdotter U (2012) Use of small public urban green spaces (SPUGS). Urban Forestry Urban Green 11:235–244 Tyrväinen L, Mäkinen K, Schipperijn J (2007) Tools for mapping social values of urban woodlands and other green areas. Landsc Urban Plann 79:5–19 Sreetheran M (2017) Exploring the urban park use, preference and behaviours among the residents of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Urban Forestry Urban Green 25:85–93 Kamba A, Rahmat R, Ismail A (2007) Why Do People Use Their Cars: A Case Study In Malaysia. J Social Sci 3 Ma Y, Brindley P, Lange E (2022) The Influence of Socio-Demographic Factors on Preference and Park Usage in Guangzhou, China. Land 11:1219 Li L, Li X, Niu N, He J (2023) Uneven impacts of COVID-19 on residents’ utilization of urban parks: A case study of Guangzhou, China. Appl Geogr 153:102905 Kaczynski AT, Potwarka LR, Smale BJA, Havitz ME (2009) Association of Parkland Proximity with Neighborhood and Park-based Physical Activity: Variations by Gender and Age. Leisure Sci 31:174–191 Lackey KJ, Kaczynski AT (2009) Correspondence of perceived vs. objective proximity to parks and their relationship to park-based physical activity. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 6 Lee Y-C, Kim K-H (2015) Attitudes of Citizens towards Urban Parks and Green Spaces for Urban Sustainability: The Case of Gyeongsan City, Republic of Korea. Sustainability 7:8240–8254 Jacquier L, Molet M, Doums C (2023) Urban colonies are less aggressive but forage more than their forest counterparts in the ant Temnothorax nylanderi. Anim Behav 199:11–21 Zhang Z, Ma G, Lin X, Dai H (2023) Accessibility in a multiple transport mode urban park based on the D-D model: A case study in Park City. Chengdu Cities 134:104191 McIntire RK et al (2022) Disparities in neighborhood park access among adults in Philadelphia. Urban Forestry Urban Green 78:127790 Ward Thompson C, Aspinall P, Roe J, Robertson L, Miller D (2016) Mitigating Stress and Supporting Health in Deprived Urban Communities: The Importance of Green Space and the Social Environment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 13:440 Ho C-H et al (2005) Gender and Ethnic Variations in Urban Park Preferences, Visitation, and Perceived Benefits. J Leisure Res 37:281–306 Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4363219","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":298315657,"identity":"28b5a0da-7500-4060-8681-e60ac44877e6","order_by":0,"name":"Faziawati Abdul Aziz","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA5ElEQVRIie3OvQrCMBDA8ZNKHEx1vSLFVygU1EH0VSqFumRXELRTnXT3LRShcyRDFx/AVQUnBx0d/GhwEYdYN8H8l7vhfnAAOt0PVggBuFyI3NJy4SdC+ZMgofwLIkNALyspJFt+iVrDknWs7TbQtOe8GKCSUM9bTSIfSYXVXQaBO+dmrCRt8Hh6Y0hSqzAQnY+Elrfh6hqPkFhrSe4ZCPogzFggQSoJz0IOIOxbYkU06LnM8d2ZMJcN9WPd/fm4HpSrYxHvWb9lT5PJYqMirxEAJx0G5JWPvZFnxikr0el0ur/oAdxmR/C/ezlCAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"universiti putra malaysia","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Faziawati","middleName":"Abdul","lastName":"Aziz","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-05-03 09:36:08","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4363219/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4363219/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":55897235,"identity":"202896f6-a791-4b68-8444-a0f0f98de89e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:25:09","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":174181,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eContact with nature has a variety of effects on human health. Adapted from \u003csup\u003e25\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/e16decd6a03dd1fd722ae531.png"},{"id":55897232,"identity":"6a2a9fd2-d099-4403-bc7c-b9d6c0f4db7a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:25:09","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":119232,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTheory of planned behavior\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(source: adapted from \u003csup\u003e27\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/97d31017e071efb8dc431dd0.png"},{"id":55897233,"identity":"a14e7a86-0cb6-4d19-b2e5-e1d4e1305a7f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:25:09","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":697230,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe map depicts the location of the study area as well as the placement of urban forest parks. (a) displays the location of Suqian, (b) indicates Suqian’s position within Jiangsu Province, and (c) marks the specific location of Sandaishan Forest Park(the biggest park in Suqian).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Background map shows national boundaries as defined by China’s Department of Natural Resources. Base map of Suqian City from Jiangsu Provincial Department of Natural Resources Suqian City Political Area Map. Visit \u003ca href=\"http://www/\"\u003ehttp://www\u003c/a\u003e.bigemap.com for more information based on open-source data from BIGEMAP.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/4d979835cab8e7cbd6d4dc6e.png"},{"id":55897236,"identity":"9ffa1a5f-f499-4875-a069-da1c07876554","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:25:09","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":953024,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThe distribution of forest parks throughout the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: Background map shows national boundaries as defined by China’s Department of Natural Resources. Base map of Suqian City from Jiangsu Provincial Department of Natural Resources Suqian City Political Area Map， Visit \u003ca href=\"http://www/\"\u003ehttp://www\u003c/a\u003e.bigemap.comfor more information based on the open-source data provided by BIGEMAP.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/22c3eb7e3abc3ed790c0757a.png"},{"id":55897238,"identity":"e261b042-11c8-4f47-986c-01d1309c093a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:25:10","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2440630,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eillustrates satellite maps and actual photographs: a）displays the Satellite map of Suqian NFP. Visit \u003ca href=\"http://www/\"\u003ehttp://www\u003c/a\u003e.bigemap.com for more information based on the open-source data provided by BIGEMAP.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(b）-（e） displays the actual sceneries of Santai Mountain National Forest Park. (source: Photo from the author)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/6f9dfb707f654b7d2f5f397f.png"},{"id":55897610,"identity":"55803cb3-5471-4133-a24e-f2c5fdeca175","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:33:09","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":53792,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eUrban Forest Park Use Constraint\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Source: by author)\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/962b2023e8e87d9958564b9c.png"},{"id":55898058,"identity":"0c89fdf1-4fbe-408b-bf9c-b81113f598b6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-05-06 04:41:15","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":4584906,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4363219/v1/1abab07e-acf8-4a7d-be3f-a3ffe17717c7.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eAccessibility, Usage Patterns of Forest Parks, and Their Relation to Residents' Behaviors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior - Evidence from Suqian, China\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eNumerous studies have shown the various advantages they offer, making them essential components of urban environments and contributing to the well-being of individuals \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Forest parks provide benefits to the urban ecosystem and surroundings, such as regulating the climate, capturing carbon dioxide, and pollution in the atmosphere reduction, water supply refuel, and preserving biodiversity. Often referred to as \"the lung of the city\" \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and \"the oxygen bar of the city,\" NFPs play a significant role in controlling air quality, reducing psychological stresses including anxiety and stress, soothing people, reducing nervous and sentimental tension, promoting residents' emotional well-being, and enhancing their mental and physical wellness.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNFPs are a critical component of China's forest park structure, with distinctive scenery, priceless social treasures, and a healthy eco-environment\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. NFPs play a vital part in forest preservation by offering a variety of ecosystem-related benefits including CO2 absorption, abundant oxygen release, enhanced quality of air \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, water purification, and noise reduction \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, NFPs can help to reduce the urban heat island effect and cool cities \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNotably, many of the cultural services that ecosystems offer benefit forest-based vacations. NFPs contribute to the advancement of scientific information and local economic development \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Through fostering a sense of place attachment, the acquisition of public spaces may contribute to a higher level of social cohesion \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, living fulfillment, and increased interaction with others \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban residents can only enjoy the benefits of parks if they have reasonable access to them \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Numerous studies conducted in various cities worldwide have examined the impact of elements such as distance and time spent traveling \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, park users' socioeconomic backgrounds \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, and park features \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e on park accessibility. However, there has been a lack of distinction between forest parks and city parks, despite significant differences in their location, landscape, activities, and scope of services. Additionally, there is limited research exploring the factors that drive demand, and to the greatest of our understanding, no investigations have been conducted in China. As an outcome, our study aims to bridge this gap by concentrating specifically on the differences in park use between forest parks and other urban parks. If the quality of green space is important to spots, then the nature of urban parks is an important factor to consider. For example, the size of parks and accessibility have a strong connection to park use and a boost in people's activity levels \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. We will investigate the importance of accessibility, forest park dimensions, and socioeconomic variables that influence interest for these parks. The findings from this study will help to improve the current research on the use and accessibility of greenery.\u003c/p\u003e "},{"header":"2. Literature Review","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1. Literature Review\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUrban forest parks and green spaces play a pivotal role as integral components of urban landscapes\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. They confer a multitude of advantageous outcomes, including the amelioration of air quality, preservation of biodiversity, and the provision of essential ecosystem services, such as carbon dioxide sequestration\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, these parks serve as vital recreational areas, fostering leisure activities that enhance mental well-being and contribute to an elevated overall quality of life within urban environments\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the issue of accessibility to these natural assets within urban areas remains a relatively underaddressed concern among urban planners. Recognizing these advantages can motivate city planners to ensure sufficient and equitable access to forest parks for residents.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOne of the most significant variables for explaining park utilization by urban dwellers is park accessibility, which can be categorized into two distinct groups: real accessibility and prospective accessibility\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The first type emphasizes the utilization of natural environments, while the other focuses on the quantity of natural surroundings available in a specific area. The distance and duration of a trip are typical variables used to quantify accessibility, a concept rooted in Location Theory and Central Place Theory\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Previous studies have found that the distance or duration of travel can significantly influence how people utilize urban green spaces.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo account for the possibility of the impact of socio-personal features on the capacity to access services, accessibility was defined as the ease with which individuals can reach their chosen activity areas. Judgments of park accessibility are strongly influenced by both park characteristics and the sociodemographic variables of park users. In a similar vein, additional variables influencing accessibility include the quantity and quality of available space, the socioeconomic background of users, the proximity to competing amenities, the capacity of facilities to meet user demands, the quality of facility maintenance, and the perceived safety of the facilities offered\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Other research confirms that the utilization of green spaces is influenced by various factors, particularly the proximity, quality, and quantity of available green areas\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSome research has focused solely on the characteristics of parks. For instance, citizens' utilization of their nearest green space is largely determined by the size of the park\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The use of natural surroundings is facilitated by greater attractions and shorter distances. Larger natural areas with more facilities tend to garner stronger preferences. However, park attendance is influenced by factors beyond park settings, including park facilities. The utilization of country parks by residents was found to be influenced by service facilities such as parking spaces and resting areas. It's worth noting that poor maintenance can diminish the appeal of green spaces within cities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe demand for ecological services is significantly influenced by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. There is a pressing need for green spaces, especially since socially vulnerable groups have larger populations. Other studies primarily focus on the sociodemographic traits of park users, including factors such as race, gender, age, and income, which all play a significant role in park and greenspace utilization, as documented in existing research\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Certain academic studies indicate that people of color and those with lower incomes are more likely to have limited access to parks. Furthermore, some studies investigate the accessibility of urban parks for children, revealing potential issues related to equity and environmental justice.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForest parks, a novel yet significant category of urban parks and green infrastructure, could provide residents with a new and easily accessible source of ecological services. Different countries have various purposes for their forest parks. Recognized as critical human-use services provided by urban greenspaces, forest parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities, including leisure activities and aesthetic value, as well as amenities such as spaces for relaxation, sightseeing, physical activity, social interactions, and cultural activities, all of which cater to the recreation needs of urban residents and may assist in avoiding obesity and developing chronic medical conditions (refer to Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Theoretical framework\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Theory of Planned behavior (TPB) is a prevalent theoretical framework in the field of social sciences, employed to comprehend and forecast human behavior\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. It suggests that intentions for behavior are shaped by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. The TPB is considered an expansion of the theory of reasoned action, with the addition of perceived behavioral control. This new notion has the potential to influence both intention and actual behavior at the same time \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Previous research has confirmed the high precision of the TPB in forecasting individuals' intentions to engage in different types of actions\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e According to the TPB, the combination of individual attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control is responsible for both intention and actual conduct, and this has been demonstrated to be effective\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Nevertheless, the significance of fundamental ideas in forecasting intention differs depending on the behaviors and settings involved. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e displays the initial configuration of the TPB.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearch indicates that individuals' intention to utilize urban parks is influenced by various factors, including structural restrictions (such as physical accessibility and available free time) and intrapersonal limitations (like a preference for public parks). Additionally, the usage behavior of the visitor is indirectly affected by both intrapersonal factors (such as their perception of urban parks) and interpersonal limitations (including conflicts with other user groups). These factors collectively shape diverse intentions regarding the utilization of urban parks\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Studies in western nations, like Spain \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, Australia\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, and the United States \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, have employed this idea to explain people's usage habits of urban parks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Study site\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSuqian City is located in the north of Jiangsu Province(refer to Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The city experiences a warm temperate monsoon climate, including 4,603 square kilometers of arable land and 2,198 square kilometers of water surface (Suqian Municipal People\u0026rsquo;s Government official website, 2020; visit \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttp://www.suqian.gov.cn\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIn Suqian, there are five forest parks: Santai Mountain National Forest Park, Luoma Lake Forest Park, Ancient Yellow River Provincial Forest Park, Siyang Yangtze Forest Park, and Hongze Lake Provincial Forest Park. Santai Mountain National Forest Park is the biggest forest park in Suqian（refer to Fig. 4）. It is located in the Lakeside New District of Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, on the shore of Luoma Lake. Natural landscape tourism, cultural and artistic experiences, forest leisure and holiday activities, science education, and sports fitness are among the attractions and activities available at the park (official website of Suqian Municipal People\u0026rsquo;s Government, 2020; visit http: // www.suqian.gov.cn).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs the biggest forest park, Santai Mountain National Forest Park, located 7 kilometers north of the city center, covers an area of 1270 (ha), serving as the central city\u0026rsquo;s \u0026ldquo;oxygen bar\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;back garden\u0026rdquo; with a forest coverage rate of 98% ( \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://www.jssantaishan.com\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e). The forest park boasts a remarkable concentration of 20,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter and offers a comprehensive range of attractions, including forest landscapes, natural scenery, cultural and artistic experiences, forest-based leisure, and vacation activities. The forest park seamlessly integrates green space and health wellness (refer to Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5)\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Method\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThis survey uses random sampling. Regarding the size of the sample adequateness, the study used Sample size for an infinite population and the sampling formula (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Z\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e*P(1-P)/e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003ewhere N is the population size, z is the z-score, e is the margin of error, p is the standard of deviation, and discovered that a sample size of 338 is adequate for the assumption where p is 0.05, z is 0.95, and an error variance of 7.3%, even when the size of the study population is unknown.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe respondents in this study were all residents and tourists from Suqian who willingly participated in the assessment of the overall utilization and limitations of urban forest parks. The participants were randomly selected and ranged in age from 18 to 65 years old. This research confirms that informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s). Surveys were distributed throughout the park using a convenience sampling technique, following the approach outlined by Scheaffer et al., ( 2011). Survey distribution occurred at various locations where visitors typically took breaks. To ensure effective data collection, the investigators first observed the flow of tourists in different areas of the forest park before initiating the survey. Based on these observations, specific spots and periods for conducting on-site surveys were identified. The subsequent sampling strategy was determined in terms of the desired sample size. We conducted a pretest with a small group of visitors to eliminate any inappropriate wording.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAs the COVID-19 pandemic had recently concluded and people were still affected by the restrictions, many residents had not yet fully utilized Forest Park. Therefore, the questionnaire was a combination of on-site and online surveys. The survey was conducted through Wenjuanxing, a web-based platform that generated QR codes and web links. Respondents could complete the questionnaire either by posting it online or by scanning the code on-site for the offline field questionnaire, which has an extensive population database and functions similar to Amazon Mechanical Turk. Given that our respondents were Chinese residents, the questionnaire was presented in Mandarin. The questionnaire designed based on ecological psychology\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and conceptual model(refer to Fig. \u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e)is divided into four sections: i) demographic information data; ii) forest park utilization; iii) motivations for visiting; and iv) barriers to using the Suqian urban forest park. For the research, the utilization of forest parks is a one-item choice, while motivations for visiting and barriers to using the forest park are multiple-choice. The respondents\u0026apos; participation was entirely voluntary, and they received no payment or reward for taking part in the study. First and foremost, our investigators explained the purpose of the study to the participants. limitation due to covid we use on-site and web-based surveys to obtain the sampling of users of NFP in Suqian.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n \u003ch2\u003e3.5. Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eThe collected data were compiled and analyzed descriptively using the statistical package SPSS. This study employed several data analysis methods, including frequency analysis, descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis, and logistic regression analysis. The findings have undergone a quantitative review to ascertain the reasons for the utilization of forest parks, patterns of usage, and the constraints hindering their utilization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results and discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1. Demographic features\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA total of 429 questionnaires were distributed, with 373 completed, resulting in an effective return rate of 86.9%. After excluding 35 invalid questionnaires, the final count of valid questionnaires was 338. These participants include pensioners, homemakers, office workers, and students. The forest parks in Suqian were visited by somewhat more women (54.44%) than men (45.56%) (refer to Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). The majority of respondents possess local household registration, with 261 individuals accounting for 77.22%. Conversely, there are 77 respondents with non-local household registration, representing 22.78% of the total\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocio-demographic characteristics of respondents(N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;338).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"9\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"17\" rowspan=\"18\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRespondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumber (n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e184\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWidower\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCensus register\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal household registration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e261\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStudents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNon-local household registration\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublic sector\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEducational level\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrimary school and below\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePrivate employee\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJunior high school\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSelf-employed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh school/secondary\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePensioner\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUniversity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e244\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePostgraduate\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMonthly income\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt; 3000 Yuan\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e118\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3001\u0026ndash;6000 Yuan\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6001\u0026ndash;10000 Yuan\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e103\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e189\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 10,000 Yuan\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u0026ndash;55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eExercise habits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eregular\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56\u0026ndash;65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eirregular\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e230\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt; 65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHealth self-assessment\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003egood\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarital status\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e107\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003efair\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e233\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e224\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ebad\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe age range with the greatest percentage of respondents\u0026mdash;55.92%\u0026mdash;was between 31 and 45 years old. The following age group, with 34.91% of the total, was that of 18 to 30 years old. The respondents who were 46 to 55 years old made up 6.80% of the sample, compared to 1.78% and 0.59% for respondents who were 56 to 65 years old and over 65. It can be observed that respondents for this particular question were primarily concentrated in the age groups of 31\u0026ndash;45 and 18\u0026ndash;30 years old. The distribution of education level options is as follows: 0.30% of respondents indicated elementary school and below, 3.55% indicated middle school, 10.36% indicated high school, 72.19% indicated university, and 14.50% indicated graduate students. The highest proportion of options was for university, followed by graduate students, while the lowest proportion was for elementary school and below.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this particular sample of data, the married population comprised the largest proportion, reaching 66.27%. The single population accounted for 31.66% of the respondents. On the other hand, the divorced population constituted a smaller proportion of 2.07%, while there were no individuals classified as widowed in the sample. It is important to note, however, that due to the small number of samples, these findings should be comprehended with caution. Further analysis considering the actual context is necessary to ensure accurate and representative conclusions. Concerning occupation, public sector employees represent the highest percentage at 36.09%, followed by private sector employees at 28.40%. Self-employed individuals account for 19.23% of the respondents, while students comprise 7.69%. Non-workers and retirees have lower percentages at 7.10% and 0.59%, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOut of the respondents, 108 individuals reported having regular exercise habits, accounting for 31.95%. In contrast, 230 respondents had irregular exercise habits, making up 68.05% of the total. The majority of survey participants had irregular exercise habits. According to the data analysis, a significant percentage of respondents, specifically 24.56%, described their health as \"very healthy\". The majority, accounting for 68.93%, rated their health as \"good\". A smaller proportion, 6.51%, considered themselves to be in an \"unhealthy\" state. These findings indicate that most participants have a positive perception of their health, categorizing themselves as either \"very healthy\" or \"good\". However, it is essential to be aware that additional investigation and contextual analysis are required to reach comprehensive conclusions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2. The pattern of use of Forest Park\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe urban forest park usability pattern was displayed(refer to Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). The majority of respondents in the study, comprising 61.83%, reported visiting the forest park only 1\u0026ndash;2 times per year. This is hardly surprising given that 42.01% require driving more than 30 minutes to access the urban forest park. A significant proportion, 14.20%, indicated visiting the forest park 1\u0026ndash;2 times per month. A smaller percentage, 4.14%, reported visiting 1\u0026ndash;2 times per week, while only 1.48% reported visiting 3\u0026ndash;4 times per week. Notably, none of the participants reported going to the forest park every day. Furthermore, 5.33% of respondents said they had never visited the NFP.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the vast majority of respondents (94.08%) prefer to visit the NFP in groups, with 66.86% visiting with family members and 25.15% visiting with friends. Meanwhile, people (5.92%) prefer not to visit or use the park by themselves. Interestingly, only three individuals out of the total respondents chose to travel with their dogs. This data provides insights into people's preferences for companions when traveling, with family and friends being the most common choices. The lower percentages for traveling alone or with pets may suggest that people prefer to have companionship or assistance during their travels, as they might require support or care along the way. This is comparable to previous research of other cultures, especially the Italians Sanesi \u0026amp; Chiarello, 2006), Malaysians (Maruthaveeran Sreetheran, 2017; Balai Kerishnan et al., 2020), Rotterdam\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e Turks\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, Hispanics\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, and Latinos(Wright Wendel et al., 2012; Byrne, 2012) where the majority of these residents like to attend urban parks in big groups with family, friends, or dogs. But white Americans who use parks are different since 88% of them go alone or with only one other individual \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. A similar pattern was observed among white park users in a Los Angeles survey when more than half of them frequented parks individually. \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This trend was also observed among Dutch park visitors, who preferred to go alone, in pairs, or small groups \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Several studies have found that either the presence or lack of an accompanying person influences the enjoyment of various surroundings for psychological healing. People in urban areas often prefer the company of a friend for a variety of reasons, including safety \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. However, When safety is not an issue, the lack of a companion also improves rehabilitation. This conclusion is reinforced by other studies, which also show that women, who often experience more fear than men, prefer to visit NFPs with family members or other people compared to going alone\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe residents in Suqian prefer to use the urban forest park during holidays (35.21%), Weekends(26.63%), and during their free time ( 26.33%), in the morning (43.49%), afternoon (38.17%), as well as evening (15.68%). The similar number of visitors to the forest park in the morning and the evening can be attributed to Suqian's location in a warm, temperate monsoon climate zone. Heat can indeed influence the preferred time of day for visiting or using parks\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. A separate study reveals that the majority of Danes prefer to be in parks during the afternoon\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This tendency is consistent with cultural norms in Western nations, where it is typical to sunbathe or spend time in the sun, especially in summertime. This insight also applies to Nordic nations like Finland, where temperatures are often cool and sunshine is greatly valued\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, urbanites in Singapore and Malaysia, both tropical countries, prefer to visit urban parks on vacations and weekdays, particularly in the morning and evening. This preference is influenced by the tropical climate of Malaysia, characterized by high humidity and temperature year-round. Spending time in parks, especially during the afternoon, can be uncomfortable due to these weather conditions. A similar observation was reported in a different investigation on urban greenery usage in Kuala Lumpur \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe survey participants spent 132 visitors, or 39.05% of the total, at the UFP, with the majority of them being there for 1\u0026ndash;2 hours. The second largest group, with 119 visitors, spent 2\u0026ndash;3 hours, accounting for 35.21%. A smaller number of visitors, 28 in total, spent less than 1 hour, representing 8.28%. Furthermore, 42 visitors (12.43%) spent 3\u0026ndash;4 hours, while only 17 visitors (5.03%) spent more than 4 hours in the park. Overall, the majority of tourists spent 1\u0026ndash;3 hours visiting the forest park, while fewer visitors stayed for more than 4 hours.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe percentage breakdown of transportation choices among respondents is as follows: walking 12.72%, bicycles 4.73%, electric vehicles 8.58%, motorcycles 0.59%, cars 65.38%, public transportation 6.51%, and others 1.48%.According to the survey results, the majority of respondents (65.38%, or 221 participants), indicated that they prefer to travel to the urban forest park by car. The reason for this is that NFP is on the outskirts, far from residential areas. This outcome was comparable to that of a study on the use of urban parks in Kuala Lumpur. The primary explanations for why Malaysians drive to parks are shorter commute times, lower costs, and affordable gasoline\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Inadequate accessibility to public transportation and a lack of acceptable routes were two more concerns that discouraged Malaysians from using public transportation as their primary means of mobility\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similar difficulties confront Italians in Bari, where insufficient transport options have forced residents to rely on vehicles or walk to reach greenery\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is evident that the highest proportion of respondents, 65.38%, chose cars as their preferred mode of transportation. Walking and electric vehicles were the next most popular choices, with percentages of 12.72% and 8.58% respectively. The proportion of respondents who preferred bicycles and public transportation was lower, at 4.73% and 6.51% respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the data, 52.37% of respondents required 10\u0026ndash;30 minutes to reach the forest park, while 30.77% needed 30\u0026ndash;60 minutes. Furthermore, 11.24% reported taking more than 1 hour to reach the park, whereas only 5.62% were able to reach it in less than 10 minutes. These findings indicate that the majority of individuals need to allocate a certain amount of time to reach the forest park, which can potentially influence their travel plans and itinerary. Previous studies have extensively examined the relationship between park proximity and park use, with a predominant focus on research conducted in the Global North. However, there has been a relative lack of attention given to exploring the potential interactions between park proximity and park use, despite their significance within socio-ecological frameworks that guide many studies \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. A recent study involving nearly 8,000 residents from eleven cities in 10 countries across Central and South America aimed to investigate the associations between perceived park proximity and park use. The findings of this study confirm positive correlations between perceived park proximity and park use\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, additional studies have also offered supporting evidence in this regard. For example, a Canadian study revealed that park use was more closely related to the amenities and facilities available in the parks rather than their proximity\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Another study conducted in Canada Lackey and Kaczynski, (2009) found no significant association between park-based physical activity and objective or perceived park proximity. However, it did indicate that such physical activity was more likely to occur when objective and perceived proximity aligned. To gain a better understanding of these associations, further research in this region is warranted. Future studies should employ more sophisticated objective and perceived park measures that effectively capture the diverse features and attributes of parks.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the data provided, the majority of residents, accounting for 44.08%, are located 5\u0026ndash;10 km away from the forest park. The next largest group, comprising 30.18% of residents, is located more than 10 km away. A smaller proportion of residents, 14.50%, are situated 2\u0026ndash;5 km away, while 7.41% are located 1\u0026ndash;2 km away. The smallest percentage, 3.85%, represents residents who are less than 1 km away from the forest park. In summary, the data indicates that the largest concentration of residents is found in the 5\u0026ndash;10 km distance range from the forest park, while fewer residents are located closer or farther away.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e Analysis of forest park usage patterns. (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;338)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsability pattern\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency(n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrequency of urban forest park visits\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;2 times/year\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e209\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;2 times/month\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;2 times/week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;4 times/week\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDaily\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNever\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen do you prefer to come to this forest Park?)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeekdays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeekends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHolidays\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecial events\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring spare time\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat time of the day do you prefer to visit this forest Park?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMorning\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e147\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAfternoon\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e129\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38.17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEvening\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNight\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLength of time spent\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;1h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;2h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e132\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u0026ndash;3h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u0026ndash;4h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;4h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMode of transportation\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eon Foot\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBicycle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectric bikes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMotorcycle\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCar\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e221\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePublic transport\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTravel time\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;10 min\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;30 min\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e177\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u0026ndash;60 min\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e104\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;1h\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow far have you traveled to get here?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;1km\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1km-2km\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2km-5km\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5km-10km\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e149\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;10km\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVisit with whom?\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlone\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith family\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e226\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith friends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith dog\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\u003c/br\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3. Motives for visiting Forest Park\u003c/h2\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLike other nations, the Chinese utilize urban forest parks for a variety of motives (refer to Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). The primary reasons for visiting the forest park were relaxation and stress reduction (58.58%) and spending time with family and friends (57.40%). Even in other studies on urban parks conducted abroad, this is a frequent occurrence\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. This illustrates the importance of such greenery in urban settings, where individuals may get a break from their regular routines or job and connect with nature and all of its different features \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. It was noted that Italians in Bari go to public open spaces to unwind and breathe easier \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, similar to the results of research conducted at Amsterdam's Vondelpark, where almost all park visitors come to relax. The same pattern was also observed in responders from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, who typically went to urban parks to unwind, as well as among park users in Gyeongsan City, South Korea\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. These motivations align with the concept of using natural environments for recreational and social purposes. The forest park offers a tranquil and rejuvenating setting, allowing individuals to escape the demands and pressures of daily life. Additionally, the park serves as a gathering place for families and friends, providing opportunities for bonding and shared experiences. Similar research revealed that Malaysians, irrespective of their ethnicity, have a strong feeling of familial attachment and a significant propensity for taking part in family-oriented activities\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe motives for visiting urban forest parks(N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;338).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReasons for Visiting Urban Forest Parks\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency(n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo relax and reduce stress\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e198\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo get fresh air\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e188\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo learn about local culture and arts\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo exercise, play games, keep in shape\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo do something together with family and friends\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e194\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo participate in the company's union group activities\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo meet people\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo enjoy nature\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo obtain peace and quiet\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFor lunch break walks\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDog walking or other pets\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo attend educational activities for children\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTo enjoy the flowers\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e72\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo special areas to go other than forest parks\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, a significant proportion of respondents (55.62%) cited the desire to get fresh air as a reason for visiting the forest park. This finding indicates that individuals value the clean and natural environment provided by the park, which can have positive effects on their physical and mental well-being. The opportunity to enjoy nature (45.56%) was also a significant factor, reflecting the aesthetic appeal and ecological value of the forest park. Immersion in natural surroundings can evoke feelings of tranquility, awe, and connectedness to the natural world.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA smaller percentage of respondents expressed interest in specific activities within the forest park. Some visited to appreciate flowers (21.30%), highlighting the aesthetic appreciation and sensory experience of floral displays. Additionally, a minority engaged in union reunion activities (9.47%) and dating (8.58%), indicating that the park serves as a venue for social events and romantic encounters. Other motivations for visiting the forest park included cultural exploration and art appreciation (19.53%), walking dogs or other animals (4.73%), participating in educational activities for children (6.80%), and taking a break during lunchtime (10.65%). These reasons demonstrate the diverse range of interests and purposes that draw individuals to the forest park.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is worth noting that a small proportion of respondents (6.21%) indicated that they chose the forest park because there were no other specific destinations available to them. This suggests that the forest park serves as a default option for recreational activities in the area, indicating its importance as a community resource. Overall, these findings provide insights into the multifaceted motivations and benefits associated with visiting the forest park, highlighting its significance as a space for relaxation, social interaction, environmental engagement, and cultural enrichment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.4. Constraints to visit forest park\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eUrban forest park use constraint is presented in descending order in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e. The overwhelming majority of respondents (195 respondents, 57.69%) cited \"time\" (being too busy) as the main barrier preventing them from visiting NFP. This was followed by \"distance\" (172, 50.89%). Additionally, some respondents highlighted \"seasonal factors\" (89, 26.33%), \"weather factors\" (82, 24.26%), \"ticket price\" (63, 18.64%), and \"crowded activity area\" (62, 18.34%). Others mentioned \"poor hygiene of the urban forest park\" (45, 13.31%) and \"inadequate facilities in the activity area\" (42, 12.43%). Other reasons given for not visiting the forest parks included \"poor public transportation\" (40, 11.83%), safety factors (35, 10.36%), \"no companion\" (29, 8.58%), \"poor forest park management\" (20, 5.92%), \"unawareness of park existence\" (13, 3.85%), \"lack of accessibility\" (12, 3.55%), \"pollution problem\" (12, 3.55%), and \"feeling afraid in the forest\" (12, 3.55%). The detailed findings can be found in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. In line with earlier research on the restrictions impacting the use of green spaces \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, ' time' was identified as the primary constraint. Urban inhabitants' hectic and strenuous lifestyles may have hampered their use of urban forest parks or their capacity to fit park visits into their hectic schedules. Similar to findings from earlier studies on urban green spaces, travel time has a statistically significant impact on how inhabitants in Suqian use urban forest parks\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In contrast, however, it is noteworthy that travel time has a small and statistically insignificant effect on the use of country parks by Shanghai residents (Gu et al., 2020). In different seasons, the number of visitors varies. Regarding human behavior, tourists are mainly concentrated in spring, summer, and autumn, with winter witnessing the fewest visitors. This trend is influenced by Suqian's location within the East Asian Monsoon Climate Zone, which is marked by four distinct seasons. Winters in Suqian are characterized by cold weather and withered vegetation, leading to a reduced tourist influx during this period. Additionally, winter is also the season when COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks are more likely to occur, further discouraging tourist gatherings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eForest Park Use Constraint (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;338)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is the main constraint that hinders you from using the forest park in Suqian China?\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency(n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTime\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e195\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDistance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e172\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor hygiene of the urban forest park\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrowded activity area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSafety factors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeasonal factors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWeather factors\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor forest park management\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInadequate facilities in the activity area\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnaware of park existence\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLack of accessibility\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePollution problem\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePoor public transportation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo companion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeel afraid in the forest\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTicket price\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWill you use the forest park more if changes were implemented to make the forest park accessible or if more facilities were provided?\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e214\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaybe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNo response\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.5. Perception of forest park safety\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the respondents were questioned regarding their feelings of safety while using the NFP (refer to Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). One of the elements impacting the use of urban green spaces is safety, notably the fear of crime \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. It is noteworthy that more than 90% of the respondents in this study expressed feeling safe in the forest parks of Suqian. Because the security and management in the scenic spot are very strict. Safety concerns can impact social interactions within the park. People may be hesitant to socialize or make new connections if they are worried about their safety. Conversely, a safe park environment can foster positive social interactions and a sense of community. One possible reason for this is that the forest park in Suqian charges an entrance fee, allowing for the implementation of robust security facilities. This sense of security stems from the fact that a great deal of those surveyed attend the parks in categories, accompanied by close relatives or acquaintances. Because Chinese people like to spend time in parks for socializing and bonding with family and friends. However, previous studies have indicated that females tend to visit urban parks less frequently than males due to safety concerns\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. For instance, in Bari, Italy, nearly half of locals reported feeling insecure in their city parks\u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Similarly, A survey conducted in the United States Atlanta and Philadelphia revealed major worries regarding park security among citizens \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Due to seasonal factors, more tourists visit the forest parks in the spring, summer, and autumn; however, few tourists visit during the cold winter months, when the plants wither and few tourists visit.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerception of safety in urban forest parks of Suqian (N\u0026nbsp;=\u0026nbsp;302).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDo you think the forest park is safe?\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrequency(n)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercent(%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVery safe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSafe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e171\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot very safe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.62\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eVery Unsafe\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study reveals that the residents highly value the creation and utilization of green spaces within their living and working environments. The research advocates for a strategy that seeks to harmonize worker well-being with urban lifestyle demands. It underscores the significance of urban green spaces and forest parks in defining the city's identity, construction, and environmental offerings, recommending the expansion of urban forest parks and green areas in central locales. However, it also highlights the necessity of augmenting existing urban forest parks by improving accessibility, facilities, and safety protocols, ensuring comprehensive access for the entire urban populace with proper management and upkeep. Further investigation into the personal, societal, and cultural influences on individuals' allocation of time between indoor entertainment and outdoor activities is deemed essential. A deeper comprehension of these elements can inform strategies to increase engagement with urban forest parks and strengthen the bond between communities and the natural world. The study\u0026rsquo;s descriptive outcomes illuminate the motivations for park usage and the barriers deterring visits to urban forest parks. A thorough analysis that considers the dynamics among various factors is imperative for identifying key determinants of usage patterns and constraints in urban forest parks. Moreover, the research suggests that engaging in contextual dialogues within the study setting can yield insights into the unique cultural inclinations and preferences of park users, thereby informing the design and management of urban green spaces. Ultimately, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of park usage, emphasizing the necessity of customizing urban green spaces to align with the cultural context and preferences of the local demographic. By improving accessibility, enhancing facilities and safety, and addressing the varied needs and motivations of park users, urban forest parks can evolve into vibrant, inclusive environments that nurture a profound connection between individuals and nature.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, the data used were freely downloaded from Visit (http://www.bigemap.com) for more information, based on the open-source data provided by BIGEMAP.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStatement: The same data as in the manuscript are the data availability data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatement\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA statement that all experimental protocols were approved by Universiti Putra Malaysia.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA statement informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoran MR, Rodr\u0026iacute;guez DA, Cotinez-O\u0026rsquo;Ryan A, Miranda JJ (2020) Park use, perceived park proximity, and neighborhood characteristics: Evidence from 11 cities in Latin America. Cities 105:102817\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVeitch J et al (2022) What entices older adults to parks? Identification of park features that encourage park visitation, physical activity, and social interaction. Landsc Urban Plann 217:104254\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXing Y, Brimblecombe P (2020) Trees and parks as the lungs of cities. Urban Forestry Urban Green 48:126552\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLin Y-C, Liu W-Y (2021) Assessment of the management performance of a National Urban Forest Park in Taiwan. Urban Forestry Urban Green 60:127056\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang J, Cheng Y, Mao Y, Cai W, Zhao B (2022) What are the factors influencing recreational visits to national forest parks in China? Experiments using crowdsourced geospatial data. Urban Forestry Urban Green 72:127570\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCalleja A, D\u0026iacute;az-Balteiro L, Iglesias-Merchan C, Soli\u0026ntilde;o M (2017) Acoustic and economic valuation of soundscape: An application to the \u0026lsquo;Retiro\u0026rsquo; Urban Forest Park. Urban Forestry Urban Green 27:272\u0026ndash;278\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiao Y, Piao Y, Pan C, Lee D, Zhao B (2023) Using buffer analysis to determine urban park cooling intensity: Five estimation methods for Nanjing, China. Sci Total Environ 868:161463\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoulay A, Ujang N, Said I (2017) Legibility of neighborhood parks as a predicator for enhanced social interaction towards social sustainability. 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J Leisure Res 37:281\u0026ndash;306\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Green space, forest park usage, Accessibility, Preference, Behavior, Theory of Planned Behavior","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4363219/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4363219/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eAs urbanization accelerates, there is an increasing desire for access to green spaces to promote human health; however, there is a scarcity of evidence documenting the characteristics that green spaces must have to provide genuine benefits. This research investigates the connection between greenery in public places and residents' health, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has boosted the need for such spaces. The focus is on understanding how forest parks are utilized and perceived by people in their daily activities, within the cultural context of China, with a specific emphasis on the constraints faced in China. The study examines the attributes of green spaces and the ecological characteristics of forest parks as accessible urban greenery, as well as their impact on the behavior of visitors. A survey of 338 residents visiting 5 forest parks from Suqian was conducted, utilizing a random sampling method for respondent selection. The results indicate that respondents use urban forest parks for relaxation, stress reduction, and enjoyable activities with family and friends. The research also reveals a strong connection between visitor usage patterns and forest park characteristics, including factors such as distance, safety, playground quality, natural elements, and quietness. Primary constraints that hinder the utilization of urban forest parks in Suqian were identified as the lack of time and long distances. Respondents expressed a higher interest in visiting forest parks more frequently if safety and accessibility were improved, along with the addition of extra amenities. These findings provide valuable insights into accessibility patterns and constraints related to the utilization of urban forest parks by Suqian residents. The research also offers suggestions for addressing public security and safety concerns based on residents' visiting habits. The outcomes of this research will be beneficial for future park development, design, and management.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Accessibility, Usage Patterns of Forest Parks, and Their Relation to Residents' Behaviors based on the Theory of Planned Behavior - Evidence from Suqian, China","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-05-06 04:25:04","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4363219/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e5ddbebd-a08b-4e4b-95c9-e25f74af5f40","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 6th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":31470716,"name":"Forestry"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-05-06T04:25:05+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-05-06 04:25:04","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4363219","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4363219","identity":"rs-4363219","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}