Citizen Perception of Security and Visitation of Public Spaces: An Exploratory Study on Regional Public Parks in Costa Rica

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15359/rgac.71-2.6

Keywords:

quality of life, leisure, regional parks, Parks, urban parks

Abstract

Through an exploratory approach, this article aimed to investigate the relationship between uses, dynamics, and perception of security from users of three urban regional parks in the metropolitan area of Costa Rica. The information was collected from direct consultation through a closed survey and a predominantly quantitative analysis. One of the main findings highlights that about 60% of surveyed people visited the parks at least once a month. They come from various neighboring cantons, but especially those hosting the parks. In addition, fear of crime influences visitation patterns, especially the hours of use. Also, aspects such as gender and age influence this perception. Finally, it is concluded that existing evidence links the perception of security and visitation patterns to this type of space. Further studies of this type are necessary to have adequate inputs for planning and designing cities, especially in Latin America.

Author Biographies

Nidia Cruz Zuniga, Universidad de Costa Rica

Master en Medio Ambiente, Master en Evaluación de Proyectos, Escuela de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro Montes de Oca. nidia.cruz@ucr.ac.cr.  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4416-0626

Erick Centeno Mora, Universidad de Costa Rica

Doctor en saneamiento, medio ambiente y recursos hídricos, Escuela de Ingeniería Civil Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro Montes de Oca. erick.centenomora@ucr.ac.cr.  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8806-0355

Karla Barrantes Chaves, Universidad de Costa Rica

Doctora en planificación, Escuela de Ingeniería Topográfica, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro Montes de Oca. karla.barrantes@ucr.ac.cr.  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1554-6842

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Published

2023-07-05

How to Cite

Cruz Zuniga, N., Centeno Mora, E., & Barrantes Chaves, K. (2023). Citizen Perception of Security and Visitation of Public Spaces: An Exploratory Study on Regional Public Parks in Costa Rica. Geographical Journal of Central America, 2(71), 161-192. https://doi.org/10.15359/rgac.71-2.6

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 71 (2023): Revista Geográfica de América Central

Section

Theory, Epistemology, Methodology (Evaluated by peers)

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How to Cite

Cruz Zuniga, N., Centeno Mora, E., & Barrantes Chaves, K. (2023). Citizen Perception of Security and Visitation of Public Spaces: An Exploratory Study on Regional Public Parks in Costa Rica. Geographical Journal of Central America, 2(71), 161-192. https://doi.org/10.15359/rgac.71-2.6

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