Abstract:
Underutilisation of public parks in the residential areas of South African cities is a challenge. Although accessibility,
environmental and social factors are argued to be some of the challenges for the utilisation of parks, the challenges
of accessibility – particularly in the residential areas of cities are least explored. This study examined the most
important accessibility factors that influence the use of public parks and how the utilisation of public parks can be
improved in the residential areas of South African cities. For this purpose, a case study was performed by using
Bloemfontein city of South Africa. Findings suggest that the ratio of road network to pedestrian facilities network,
the number of access streets to the parks, size (in area) of parks and the level of illumination in the parks during
evening periods are the major variables, which to a varied extent influence the utilisation of parks. An optimal level
of number of access streets to the parks, proportionate pedestrian facilities on the roads providing access to parks
and appreciable illumination will enable significant improvement in the utilisation of parks in the residential areas of
South African cities.
