Author(s): ZHANG, B., LI, X., HAO, L., HOU, Y. , Institution: NORTHEAST FORESTRY UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 2145

INTRODUCTION:
Physical activity is influenced by both individual and social environmental factors, and the use of urban green spaces (UGS) is closely related to health. However, urban population growth has led to an imbalance in the supply and demand of UGS, affecting the vulnerability of physical activity and health. This study evaluates the matching of UGS supply and demand and proposes green space compensation strategies to enhance residents health.
METHODS:
A physical activity vulnerability index was developed to assess the ability of physical activity and the environment to counteract external pressures at the street level. Taking old communities in Harbin as an example, indicators such as population density and green space quality were selected from three dimensions—exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability—to construct an evaluation system. ArcGIS was used to calculate the indicators. Based on the index, street vulnerability was classified into four categories (low, relatively low, relatively high, and high), and the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method was used to evaluate UGS accessibility.
RESULTS:
Firstly, the northwestern part of the selected area has high accessibility to UGS, while residents in old communities in the central and southern parts have relatively high accessibility. Some areas in the northeastern suburbs, however, lack access to any services. Secondly, there are significant differences in accessibility among regions with varying levels of vulnerability (p < 0.001), with an overall trend of higher vulnerability in the northeast and lower vulnerability in the northwest. This indicates that regions with relatively high and high vulnerability are at a disadvantage in accessing UGS services. Areas with high vulnerability generally have higher population outflow rates and elderly population proportions compared to low-vulnerability areas. Finally, the community vulnerability index and UGS accessibility show significant spatial autocorrelation (p < 0.05, with Moran’s I value close to 1).
CONCLUSION:
The research findings indicate significant inequalities in the accessibility of UGS and the quality of green spaces in residential areas, leading to potential disparities in the physical activity benefits for residents. Residents of older neighborhoods face greater challenges in accessing well-equipped UGS, which may be a result of urban planning prioritizing short-term gains over the needs of residents. Future planning should prioritize increasing green spaces in areas lacking UGS, with a rational layout and diversified facilities to enhance residents physical activity and health levels. Meanwhile, the internal green space quality in low-vulnerability residential areas is generally lower, posing greater public health risks. It is recommended to prioritize the addition of UGS near these areas to ensure that different vulnerability groups equally benefit from the health-promoting services of UGS, thereby narrowing health disparities.