Republic of the Philippines

Pangasinan State University

Urdaneta Campus
San Vicente, Urdaneta City
Telefax: (075) 632-2559

College of Engineering and Architecture

Department of Architecture

Improving Public Satisfaction with Urban Parks: Re-integrating Public Perception in

the Redevelopment of Balikbayan Park in Urdaneta City

A Research Proposal Presented to

Ar. Zaldy F. Corpuz

In partial fulfillment of the course requirements in

SPC 421 | SPECIALIZATION 1: URBAN DESIGN

For the degree of

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Submitted by
Rosario, Christopher D.
Garcia, Alvin M.
Gumallaoi, Judelle V.

(June, 2023)
 Acknowledgement

First and foremost, we would like to give our greatest acknowledgement to our Lord Jesus

Christ. The accomplishment of this study will not be possible without HIM who provided

strength and knowledge to complete this research study. This study gives back all the

glory, pride and praises to HIM.

We would also like to extend our deepest and heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has

helped us finish this research study. Through your moral support which immensely

contributes towards the completion of this humble piece of work.

To our instructor in Specialization 1: Urban Design, Ar. Zaldy F. Corpuz, UAP and to

our adviser and mentor in doing this project, Ar. Jyan M. Delos Reyes, UAP, for their

continued and untiring guidance, objective comments and sincere encouragement

throughout this research period. Without their astute advice and collaborative effort with

us, this research paper would not have been possible.

Secondly, we express our gratitude to our classmates and fellow research students at

Pangasinan State University – Urdaneta City Campus, for their support, encouragement

and credible ideas.

Thirdly, to the technical respondents who gave their time and effort in participating and

providing all the needed information that is significant to the study.

Our acknowledgement would be incomplete without thanking the biggest source of our

strength, our parents and relatives. The success and final outcome of this project required

a lot of guidance and assistance from many people and we were extremely privileged to

have got this all along the completion of our project.

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Abstract

Historically, public urban parks were intended to provide wide open green areas
within cities, which can aid in mitigating the detrimental effects of industrialization. Most
industrialized nations have recently realized the significance of multi-functional usage of
public parks in the sustainable development of cities. However, many public parks already
exist in underdeveloped nations but are underutilized or abandoned owing to a lack of
public awareness, poor upkeep, a lack of security and suitable amenities, and a lack of
sports and social activities. For many years, urban parks serve more than just the ‘lungs of
the city’. However, due to the burgeoning urbanization and land scarcity, urban parks were
one of the most neglected areas in city planning. The focus of this study is Urdaneta
City’s Balikbayan Park, located in Gracia Village, Nancayasan, Urdaneta city. Once a
venue of the city’s cultural gatherings and tennis club tournaments. Today, it could not
serve its intended function due to poorly planned development that destroys open green
space. This study aims to assess the factors needed to improve the park usability and
redevelop its current state by integrating the perception of the Urdanetanians’ in the
planning for improvements. However, managing, planning, and administering public parks
present major obstacles. How individuals see their experiences with parks in public areas
notably impacts the physical layout and construction of park facilities.

A survey questionnaire regarding Urdanetanian citizen needs and preferences of

the public park usability will be conducted on 51 of the local Urdanetanian citizens from
different ages and social backgrounds. The study on improving public satisfaction with
urban parks is dependent on the following variables: Interpretive, Evaluative, Operative,
and Responsive. The model evaluated the preferences of society by using statistical
methods (multiple regression analysis and factor analysis). The findings lead to the
redevelopment of Balikbayan Park which integrates public perception and recommends
possible solutions by applying necessary urban design principles. Finally, the research
findings will lead and suggest a design proposal for the redevelopment of Balikbayan Park
which integrates public perceptions and recommends possible solutions based on the
results from the survey questionnaire and by applying necessary urban design principles.
Keywords:Perceptions, Redevelopment, Urdanetanian

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 CHAPTER I Introduction 1

1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Background of the Study 2
1.3 Statement of the Problem 3
1.4 Research Objectives 2
1.5 Significance of the Study 3
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study 4
1.7 Definition of Terms 4
1.8 Theoretical Framework 5-6

2.0 CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature 7

2.1 Review of Related Laws 8-9

2.2 Local Examples 10
2.3 Foreign Examples 11-23

3.0 CHAPTER III Methodology 24

3.1 Research Design 25

3.2 Sample of Population 25
3.3 Instrument for Data Collection 25
3.4 Method of Data Collection 25
3.5 Data Collection Tools 26
3.6 Data Analysis 27

4.0 CHAPTER IV Results and Discussions 28

4.1 Qualitative Data S 29

4.2 Findings: SWOT Analysis of the site and structures 29
4.3 Translation of Findings 30
4.4 Interpretation of Data 30-31
4.5 Hypothesis 32

5.0 CHAPTER V Evaluation and Monitoring 33

5.1 Solutions Based on Findings

5.2 Conclusion

6.0 CHAPTER VI Conclusion and Recommendations 35

6.1 Summary of Findings 36

6.2 Solutions and Recommendations 36-40

REFERENCES 41-42

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1
1.1 Introduction

Green areas are considered as the respiratory system of any city and parks as its lunges.
The parks not only provide clean fresh air, but are also considered as a main factor for a
healthy, public, social, and vital life in the city. Parks are used by all kinds of people
regardless of their age, gender, interests, or work, in addition to animals and insects.
Therefore, Parks belong to everyone, so when it is designed, everyone should be involved.
That’s what Public Participation for Park Planning stands for. It presents the methods or
techniques of planning, designing, or developing of parks, greenways, recreation areas,
and entertainment facilities with the involvement of the citizens in this work guided with
certain rules and principles.
Within the field of environment and behavior, perception of environmental quality is a
basic study field for researchers. Analyzing perception and preference of people about
landscape environments is a subject that needs to elaborate on. In this way, different
spatial variables that would influence landscape preference of people can be determined. It
is necessary to analyze the relation between urban life experience and perception of people
and design of landscape areas. In this sense, terms of visual perception and visual quality
come into prominence.

1.2 Background of the Study

Pangasinan is a province of the Republic of the Philippines, in Luzon area. It is located in
the west-central area of the island of Luzon. Urdaneta’s Balikbayan is located in
Poblacion, which is the city’s central business district in Urdaneta City. It is a landlocked
component city in the province of Pangasinan.
All people have access to urban public parks. These parks and green areas provide a
variety of leisure activities, like sports fields, playgrounds, and walking routes, that
encourage social contact and physical activity among individuals from various
backgrounds. Parks offer community facilities and possibilities for leisurely pursuits.
Additionally, it is essential for improving urban quality of life and raising environmental
consciousness.
The park's increasing dispersion of low-rise civic buildings shows how little open or green
space there is inside the park. The "Bahay Pag-Asa" and other DSWD institutions are
located in the Park. Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), also known as RA
10410, is the primary institution assisting social services, early education, dietary needs,
and health care for young children ages 0 to 4. The park offers teenagers and kids the
chance to participate in sports and other activities.
Inadequate landscaping in crucial locations, such as the park's main entrance and its
surroundings, as well as inadequate storm-water drainage that results in street flooding
during the rainy season as well as the outdated playground equipment for kids and the
shortage of equipment for playgrounds that can accommodate children

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1.3 Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the problems and underlying issues, and identify the areas in
need of further development of the Balikbayan Park in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following subsidiary problems:

1. What are the strategies, factors, and methods for successfully redeveloping
Balikbayan Park while preserving its original purpose as a park?
2. What urban park feature should be improved or used to provide great scenic views
and attractive settings?
3. What methods or suggestions are there to describe the aesthetic value, identity,
economic activity, health, social cohesion, and opportunity of a park?

1.4 Research Objectives:

1. To identify the key elements and features of Balikbayan Park that attracts and
engages Urdanetanians.
2. To use the data collected from public input as a foundation for the Balikbayan
Park's redevelopment design plan.
3. To recommend strategies for improving Balikbayan Park while incorporating
public perceptions of the park's facilities and functions.

1.5 Significance of the Study

Architecture includes both the design of the building and its immediate surroundings. A
top objective would be to ensure the passengers' maximum comfort and safety, the park
can help with both.

The study therefore highlights that the modern urban park space environment design
should be people oriented. The physical elements that relate to the humanized space will
be based on peoples’ behavior and perception needs, psychological needs and cultural
needs, to create the urban park space environment which is full of vitality.

The findings of the research will be also significant and beneficial to the following:

 To Authorities – The result of the research will make the authorities aware of
the importance of the safety of park that will emphasize its function as a shared
space and promote social interaction, inviting and accessible;
 To Future Researchers - The research will generate fresh concepts that could
be a crucial source of knowledge for them.
 To the Community - The study's goals will be very helpful in achieving the
city’s goal of developing a welcoming, secure, attractive, and safe city park.
 Health and Environmental Benefits - Parks and recreation facilities are the
places that people go to get healthy and stay fit.
 Social Importance - Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a
community. They provide identity for citizens and are a major factor in the

3
 perception of quality of life in a given community. Parks and recreation
services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how
livable communities are.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of The Study

The researchers do not hold the space allotted for the city park and will make use of the
space as it is and that is available. This research will deal with park design which preserves
the existing high quality natural characteristics of the site and create a safe, secure, visually
pleasing, and inclusive city park that can contribute to both aesthetics and functionality as
a tool to promote social interaction, inviting and easy to access with the community.

Since the proposed research will take place in Barangay Poblacion, those who live there
will be the project's primary stakeholders. The location site served as the foundation for
the design, analysis, and other investigations. The study mostly focuses on community
perception, which is taken into account when gathering planning concepts and elements to
choose a suitable location.

It will take a semester to complete the research assignment. This research will use on-site
observation as a foundation for comparison in order to evaluate the efficacy of
redeveloping Balikbayan Park and to recommend a design concept on enlivening the
public urban park. Because they lack the room required for the aforementioned strategy,
the researchers will use the space that is now open. In addition to improving the park's
equipment's functionality and aesthetics, this study will focus on design solutions and
fixes.

1 .7 Definitions of Terms

Parks - delineated open space areas, mostly dominated by vegetation and water, and
generally reserved for public use. Urban parks are mostly larger, but can also have the
shape of smaller 'pocket parks'.

Public space - a place that is open and accessible to the general public.

Perception - the act or faculty of perceiving, or apprehending by means of the senses or of

the mind; cognition; understanding. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as
of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment: an artist of
rare perception.

Accessible - capable of being easily reached, used or accessed by people with disabilities.

Salutogenic Design– The framework illustrates the causes of stress and introduces
wellness factors that support the healing process.

Urban planning - is a process of elaborating solutions that aim both to improve or

requalify an existing urban area, as well as to create a new urbanization in a given region.

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1.8 Theoretical Framework

Few theorists and practitioners state the benefits of public participation. Thomas Beierle
and Jerry Cayford (2002), in their work on evaluating public participation in
environmental decisions, define five social goals that can be achieved through public
participation. These goals are:

1. Inform and Educate the Public

Being knowledgeable about the issues allows citizens to make informed choices on
decisions that affect them and their interests. By participating in decision processes,
people can become knowledgeable about the social, physical, and political
dimensions of the issues at hand. An informed public can better deliberate issues
and formulate alternatives that are workable and effective.
2. Incorporate Public Values into Decision Making
To be effective, policy actions for watershed protection and improvement need to
reflect the total public perspective. The values, assumptions, and preferences of
stakeholders should shape policy content and procedures. Because the public is not
monolithic in its views, all relevant interests, fairly represented, must be involved
in any process in which the public is invited to contribute to policy decision-
making.
3. Improve the Substantive Quality of Decisions
Many people and ideas contribute to public solutions. Planners and managers
typically rely on technically rigorous studies to base their decisions about
management options. But the public is also a source of facts, ideas, and knowledge
that can contribute to the quality of policy decisions. Examples include identifying
relevant factual information, discovering mistakes, and generating alternatives that
satisfy a wider range of interests.
4. Foster Trust in Institutions
One of the most effective ways to rebuild trust is to involve and empower citizens
in the decision-making process.
5. Reduce Conflict
Public participation can be a process for identifying shared norms and values and
can build the foundation for cooperative, rather than confrontational, decision
making.

Perception in Urban Design

Perception
Perception is defined as the use of human memory to make sense of phenomena to
calculate the requisite motor responses needed to negotiate the objects in space’ (Smith
1974). In other words, perception can be said to be the proper understanding and analysis
of a particular system or environment by the human mind and the synthesis of alternative
solutions to existing problems, formulated through analysis and forecasting of impending
problems yet to be encountered.

5
Psychologists cite three known factors that contribute to the totality of perception. They
are:

(a). Motivation
(b). Memory
(c). Learning

Learning:
Learning is a physical, internal representation of external reality. In early years of mental
development, basic patterns and pathways are established. The importance of these basic
schemas is that they provide a life-long datum of perception.
Datum of perception within the urban situation is formed by the accumulated experiences
of houses, churches, shopping centers, streets, town square et cetera.

MODES OF HUMAN ENVIRONMENT TRANSACTION

There are different dimensions of the processes of the optimization theme. The
optimization theme suggests that people orient to the environment in terms of existing
information, goals, and expectations; they operate on the environment in an effort to
achieve their goals and maintain desired levels of satisfaction; they are directly affected by
environmental forces (e.g. situational supports, constraints); and they evaluate the quality
of the environment as a context for future activity and goal attainment. These processes
presumably occur within individuals, groups, and communities.

The dimensions of the process of optimization themes are:

1. Cognitive (or symbols) vs. behavioral (or physical)
2. Activities vs. Reactive
The modes of human environment transaction are products of the optimization themes.
These are:
a. Interpretive (active-cognitive)
b. Evaluative (reactive-cognitive)
c. Operative (active-cognitive)
d. Responsive (reactive- cognitive)

Interpretive - involves the individual’s cognitive representation or construction of the

environment.
Evaluative - Individual’s evaluation, of the situations against predefined standards of
quality.
Operative - Individual’s movement through or his direct impact on the environment.
Responsive - The environment’s effect on the individual’s behavior and well-being.

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 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

7
 REVIEW OF RELATED LAW

2.1 Republic Act No. 826 : Creation of Commission on Parks and Wildlife

For centuries, our parks and green spaces have been connected to Mother Nature in its purest form.
Parks impact public health, protection and conservation by providing physical activity and safe
play areas for children. Its aesthetic value is also a source of civic pride. In short, we all know our
parks are essential to our communities.

In order to promote effective use of our parks, development, maintenance, and conservation of
national parks, monuments and wildlife in said parks, of game and fish, and of provincial, city and
municipal public parks, to provide for the enjoyment for the community (R.A no. 826)

The goal is to preserve the scenery, the natural and historic objects, and the wildlife including:
birds, fish, mammals, and other animals. Therein, as well as to make provisions for the enjoyment
of the same in a way that will ensure their continued preservation for the benefit and enjoyment for
future generations. (Creation of Commission on Parks and Wildlife)

2.2 Republic Act No. 7160: Local Government Code of 1991

Community development is critical to human development and nation-building. Because

community development gets people thinking about where they live, what surrounds them, and
how to protect their neighborhoods, Communities contribute to the social, political, cultural and
economic development of their country.

Through national policy, territorial and State political subdivisions pursue to enjoy realistic and
meaningful local government. Autonomy to enable them to achieve full development
independently, Make communities more effective partners. To this end, the State guarantees a
quicker and faster response accountable local government structures implemented through a
system of Decentralization expands the authority of local governments, Authority, Responsibility
and Resources. Decentralization process transition from national to lal government. (Local
Government Code of 1991)

2.3 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10066 :“National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”

The 1987 Constitution proclaims that the nation promotes the preservation, richness, and dynamic
development of Philippine culture, based on the principle of unity of diversity in a climate of free
artistic and intellectual expression The Constitution also mandates states to preserve, develop,
promote, and publicize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as works
of art. It also stipulates that the entire artistic and historical property of the country constitutes
national cultural property and is under the protection of the state, which can regulate its disposal.
(National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009)

Protect, preserve, conserve and promote the nation's cultural heritage, its property and histories,
and the ethnicity of local communities; Establish and strengthen cultural institutions; and Protect
cultural workers and ensure their professional development and well-being are the cultural
preservation strategy to maintain the Filipino identity The State shall likewise endeavor to create a
balanced atmosphere where the historic past coexists in harmony with modern society. It shall
approach the problem of conservation in an integrated and holistic manner, cutting across all

8
relevant disciplines and technologies. The State shall further administer the heritage resources in a
spirit of stewardship for the inspiration and benefit of the present and future generations. (National
Cultural Heritage Act of 2009)

2.4 BP 344 (Accessibility Law) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations

―AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE MOBILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS BY

REQUIRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS, INSTITUTIONS, ESTABLISHMENTS AND
PUBLIC UTILITIES TO INSTALL FACILITIES AND OTHER DEVICES.‖

(BP 344 : Accessibility Law)

Accessibility is the idea of whether a product or service is usable by everyone, no matter

how they come across it. Despite the fact that there are accessibility rules in place to help
persons with impairments, designers should nevertheless make every effort to include all
prospective users in all use cases. Better designs for everybody are one of the clear
advantages of doing this.

According to the goals of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344, the Rules and Regulations set out
herein provide for minimal criteria and standards to make buildings, facilities, and utilities
for public use accessible to handicapped individuals. If better facilities can be provided,
special standards of accessibility through the use of other methods and/or materials shall
be allowed subject to the approval of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled
Persons where the requirements for accessibility. Implementing the Rules will create an
unreasonable hardship in design or construction. (BP 344: Accessibility Law)

The dimensions of handicapped people's technical assistance. The size of wheelchairs, the
bare minimum space required for locking and unlocking leg braces, and the distance
between people using crutches and other walking aids are all taken into account in the
second factor. by using dimensional parameters that cater for wheelchair users at this early
stage. Due to any impairment, no group of individuals must be denied the opportunity to
fully participate and enjoy their surroundings or be treated less favourably than the other
groups. The following fundamental criteria must be followed in order to realize this UN-
adopted objective: Accessibility, Reachability, Usability, Orientation, Safety, Work ability
and efficiency. (BP 344 : Accessibility Law)

9
 RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Local. Rizal Park in Manila Rizal Park is a historical urban park located in the Ermita
district along Roxas Boulevard in the city of Manila. It is commonly known to many
Filipinos as Luneta Park. Rizal Park has a size of 58 hectares or 580000 square meters. It is
one of the largest urban parks in the Asian continent and it is juxtaposed to the historic
walled city Intramuros.

According to De Jose (2020), A redevelopment would present opportunities to re-engage

the site with the surrounding area. It would offer improved hierarchy and network of green
spaces by restoring Manila's national parks to their former glory. The goal of
redevelopment is to gives people access to nature especially the kids ―It’s where our young
people, whom Dr. Rizal said are the hope of our Motherland, must have free access to
scientific study of the exotic trees and the Philippines’ flora and fauna,‖ Ultimately, Rizal
Park must remain a true people’s park where Filipino families can commune with nature
and have fun. The aim is to further showcase the richness and beauty of Philippine plant
biodiversity at Rizal Park to help promote tourism that is enjoyable and educational while
raising public awareness about the need to conserve the country’s natural resources. Such
species of flowers will help liven up the park and mark the trees with signs identifying
what these species are. Having more trees in Rizal Park will also help improve
environmental conditions and temper heat, enhancing the area’s capability to promote
people's well-being. (De Jose, 2020)
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), among the benefits of parks and
other green urban spaces are facilitating physical activity and relaxation as well as aiding
treatment of mental illness. ―Recent estimates show that physical inactivity, linked to poor
walkability and lack of access to recreational areas, accounts for 3.3 percent of global
deaths,‖ WHO noted. In recent years, there are reports that it has become a free refuge for
vagrants, a haven for cheap flesh trade. Luneta must be revived again as a modern green
park with a lush and healthy environment. (De Jose, 2020)
Moreover, according to (Lagbas, 2020) In his paper, Visitation and perception of college
students in selected urban parks in the city of Manila, Philippines, the cultural heritage
urban parks that are accessible, multi-functional with good vegetation cover and open
access, appeal to the students and possibly to other park users. The recreational services,
restorative potential, and proximity of the urban parks could be the main reasons for park
use and frequent visits. People who try to visit a park have a high demand for its cultural
ecosystem services and could be more willing to pay for its conservation and maintenance.
Frequent park users and visitors are more familiar with the site-specific and well-known
attributes of the park. Their acquaintance with the features of urban parks and perceptions
of ecosystem services, including land use, reflect their interest, place attachment,
interaction with the environment, as well as aesthetic and cultural value that could be
valuable for revealing patterns of park use and visitation. Comparison of frequency of
visits to the urban parks could help to understand park use patterns and could be used as
decision support for identifying priorities for improvement. (Lagbas, 2020)

10
Findings could represent the five urban parks by recruiting a broader range of respondents
and increasing the sample size. Also, conducting on-site observations and face-to-face
surveys coupled with interviews and other mixed-methods approaches at different times
and seasons can help determine reasons and motivations for park visit/revisitation, needs
assessment, and perceived park management issues. Results of these methods can be
integrated into policies and programs for enhancing park planning and management. While
on site and actual data gathering provides reliable information, these methods are generally
limited by human resources, cost, geographic scope, and time. Recently, visual content
analysis of photographs of urban parks uploaded on various social media platforms
combined with spatial information analysis is increasingly used as a supplement for
revealing motivations for park visits and park use patterns (Song et al. 2020; Donahue et
al. 2018). Future work may combine existing approaches and social media data to improve
understanding of where and why people visit urban parks. (Lagbas, 2020)
Foreign. The Leesville Park in the city of Raleigh, the US state capital of North Carolina,
has acquired a 55-acre community park. The participants provided their own thoughts
regarding the park's functions and components as well as the opportunities and
implications of the site. The consultants provided meeting and park program information
based on rating the park's desired features and activities list. The community's cooperation
helped the city council approve the master plan in May 2007. (Smutko et al., 2009)

Rouhi et al. (2017) in Sari City, Iran. Planning, designing, and management of public parks
are important issues since these parks are one of the main spaces of urban life, especially
with the rapid population growth in recent years. The research investigates public
preferences regarding urban parks to evaluate the preferences in order to achieve
appropriate standards for designing and running urban parks. The article is descriptive-
analysis on applied research. A survey method is used to collect required information. The
research was conducted on 384 people in Sari city by using simple random sampling. The
results are tested by binomial test with help of a statistical program. The results suggest
that increasing public satisfaction for urban parks depends on the following measurements:
establishing appropriate landscape, forming physical and financial security, giving
attention to different age groups and their needs in Designing Park. The study concludes
by providing some solutions and recommendations such as for managing parks in urban
planning and the use of the preferences of users of the parks in the planning and designing
of parks. Any decision in designing and creating space in urban parks must be made to
comply with the demands, interests, experiences and the values of citizenship otherwise it
would not have good results and be confronted with their lack of interest. According to the
study, three main factors that are effective in increasing public recommendations on urban
parks include: 1) using appropriate landscape as diverse trees, ponds and artificial lake;
2) providing physical and financial security in the park; and 3) giving attention to
different age groups and their needs in the design of the park, which should be
considered in the design of urban parks with other identified factors that were expressed
in this study.

11
Moreover, Taihu Park in Beijing as an example, with the development of the economy
and society, the derivative needs beyond the basic survival needs of citizens are constantly
expanding. The emergence of urban parks caters to the needs of citizens to relax, playing
an important role in improving the ecological environment, providing leisure and
recreation places, and having a good prospect of development. from the perspective of
tourists. The influence factors are analyzed with the structural equation model, the
influence of factors, and drawn up to a degree. The tourists’ satisfaction and loyalty were
positively related to the change; the tourists’ satisfaction and complaints about change had
a negative correlation and were put forward to strengthen the construction of infrastructure
to park development. It is suggested to improve the functional level of the park and
increase the selling point of commodities in the park. (Du & Zhao, 2022)
Taking Taihu Park as an example, this paper analyzes how tourists’ perceptions affect the
overall satisfaction of tourists through the data collected by questionnaires and the method
of structural equation model. It arrived at the following conclusions:

1. Tourist satisfaction plays an important decisive role in the sustainable development

of the park. In order to improve the urban status of the park, it is necessary to
improve tourist satisfaction.
2. Environmental perception, service and quality perception, accessibility, and tourist
loyalty all have a significantly positive impact on tourist satisfaction. Therefore, to
improve the tourist satisfaction, environmental perception, service and quality
perception, accessibility, and tourist loyalty must be enhanced.
3. Tourist complaints are in the opposite direction as the change of tourist satisfaction,
whose rise will reduce tourist satisfaction.
According to the research results of the tourist satisfaction and its influencing factors, the
following suggestions are made to enhance the quality of Taihu Park:

1. At the park manager level, Taihu Park can add self-service vending machines in the
park to improve service and quality perception, increase the accessibility by
increasing the number of parking spaces, and improve its software and hardware
service quality to reduce tourists’ complaints.
2. From the government’s perspective, it is still up to the government to make efforts
to enhance the status of urban parks. Therefore, the government should rely on its
own influence to increase publicity for Taihu Park, expand its influence, attract
foreign investment, and form a development model in which the market promotes
the park. In addition, the government should adopt the necessary financial means to
encourage Taihu Park to maintain the trees and infrastructures greatly and to
improve the tourist satisfaction by giving more financial support and improving the
standard of management subsidy.

Urban parks have two essential functions: biodiversity conservation and recreation
provision; both have attracted increasing attention in spatial allocation of urban green
space and city planning. Biodiversity conservation of urban parks may significantly
beautify the environment and improve the recreation experience and health well-being of
urban residents, while resident recreation behavior will impose a certain disturbance on the

12
protection of urban green habitats. A large number of studies have measured the function
of urban parks through selecting the ecological connectivity and spatial accessibility,
which provide a scientific basis for formulating multi-functional protection strategies for
urban parks. They also try to identify the tradeoff relationship of urban parks in terms of
ecological and social functions in the Patero ranking method. For Taihu Park, it is mainly
positioned as an urban park to meet the leisure and exercise needs of nearby residents
because of considering spatial accessibility, but it also maintains ecological function to
beautify the environment to provide better experience. Biodiversity conservation and
recreation provision can often exhibit synergies. The improvement of ecological diversity
means that the biological system is more and more rich and complex and includes more
tree species and animals that provide more choices and attractions for leisure and
entertainment, i.e., tree species diversity provides landscape viewing and diversity of
animals provides the experience of a tour. Organizing recreational activities such as forest
picking, planting experiences, and volunteering can also help promote biodiversity. There
is also a trade-off relationship between biodiversity conservation and recreation provision;
making appropriate trade-offs can make Taihu Park undertake park functions better. It
should give up part of the sightseeing space in order to increase biodiversity, such as
reducing the number of boats that can be rented to tourists on the lake in order to protect
the ecological diversity of the lake. However, it should abandon some ecological functions,
such as reducing lawn area to provide tent building area, to ensure the carrying capacity of
tourists for its position. It has enough lawn area to provide views but lacks open space for
tourists to step on and tour. Reducing the lawn area has little effect on the ecological
diversity but can greatly increase the sightseeing space. Although the existing studies
provide solid support for quantitative analysis of ecological and social benefits of urban
parks, the efficient use of Taihu Park to provide ecological and social benefits still requires
further exploration. (Du & Zhao, 2022)
KUEHNER (2016), in his thesis titled ―Urban Park Networks in Small Cities‖, as smaller
cities become more densely populated, and begin to discover (or recover) their sense of
identity, a network of parks is needed to become the catalyst allowing improved quality of
life for all. This will encourage healthy growth within the city and help to ensure ―valued
public resources like parks are located in places where they are needed most (Talen 490).‖
Proximity, diversity, and social need are the three main factors introduced in the spatial
logic method of locating and connecting park systems to a cohesive network in a city
Through the use of a public opinion survey on the perceived benefits of urban parks, a new
layer of information, social desire, was added to this methodology. Social desire is critical
in this process as it gives a voice to the people (Kwaku Kyem 6; Shirk, JL, et al. 3),
furthering the democratic values desired by the citizens of the United States and builds
trust between a city and the people residing within it (Rowe and Frewer 24). GIS was then
used to analyze and combine the datasets of the spatial logic method (proximity, diversity,
and social need) with social desire to determine which sections of the city would benefit
most from an intervention. As shown through the background research, parks are the
preferred choice to assist cities and their citizens by providing ecological, economic and
social benefits to society.

13
Each city is unique and has different needs; these adaptations should look to gather as
much information on citizen awareness of parks and the intended use. For this method of
social desire, it is important to establish the opinions of parks and willingness to participate
in supporting parks from each neighborhood community in the city. Questions addressing
perceived walking distance and user accessibility will begin to show where and how far
people in the city are willing to travel for parks. Not addressed in the survey that was
conducted, but a question that could provide better insight to what is working would be to
ask what a user’s favorite park in the city is and what qualities it has that sets it above the
rest. In the small sample size of the survey conducted in this thesis, the idea of park use
and perceived safety was highlighted by a majority of participants. Questions geared
toward what efforts would encourage feelings of safety, such as better night lighting or
increased police patrols, would serve to show what the people would perceive as being
more safe. (Kuehner, 2016)
New park developments have the potential to be more beneficial in communities that have
greater social need and social desire. No matter how much a community could benefit
from a park, it is difficult to maintain a park if either the community or the park is ignored
by future development. In addition, the scale of the park should make sense for the
community it is designed to service (Talen). Parks that are excessively too large may lead
to an inefficient park network in the city if it does not have proper reciprocating land use,
such as a mix of single family housing and commercial land. Smaller parks may fit better
in the rhythm of a neighborhood, as opposed to near industrial sites. (Kuehner, 2016)
By introducing public participation to the spatial logic method, prioritization for
improvements is brought to the areas of greatest need. While further improvement on the
types of questions posed in the survey is needed, a basic understanding of public opinion
was obtained from this small sample size. Through talking with the participants, it was
clear the people in South Bend enjoy having the availability of park space. Residents of the
city do feel urban parks are beneficial and continue to desire using them. (Kuehner, 2016)
In a city parks forum briefing paper, titled ―How Cities Use Parks for Smart Growth‖.
Parks are commonly thought of as the venue for ―fun and games,‖ but that is only one role
they play in a metropolitan environment. Based on the experiences of Maryland, Austin,
Sioux Falls, and the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota, a parks/growth management
policy effort can be effective if it is strongly supported by elected officials, the business
community, and the general public.Their leadership requires continuing efforts on the part
of local planners to keep citizens involved in the planning process, and to keep parks
positioned as a redevelopment and growth management tool. (American Planning
Association, 2005)
McCormack et al. (2014). Many characteristics of urban parks and neighborhoods have
been linked to patterns of physical activity, yet untangling these relationships to promote
increased levels of physical activity presents methodological challenges. Based on
qualitative and quantitative data, this article describes patterns of activity within urban
parks and the socio-demographic characteristics of park visitors. It also accounts for these
patterns in relation to the attributes of parks and their surrounding neighborhoods.

14
Taradale Park is located on the edge of the neighborhood and borders a major road. It is a
large, un-maintained, 'natural' field landscape without trees. It includes a multi-use path
that runs through the park and connects to a path running along the park's perimeter. An
informal path runs parallel to the formal path along a wooden fence separating the park
from a residential area. A pond located in one corner of the park was populated by a
variety of wildlife and provided a storm water drainage for the area. A lack of maintenance
made visibility problematic and served as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Graffiti was evident on the wooden fence at the end of the park at the main entrance
adjacent to the residential area. Older adults of South Asian background were frequently
sighted in the vicinity of the park. (McCormack et al., 2014)
In Martindale Park, it was established in 1983 and has a curvilinear street pattern.
Martindale Park is a large open green space with a paved pathway and dual-use paths, an
open grassy area containing a storm water drainage basin, and no benches or seating. The
most important details are that a garbage can was located beside a formal path adjacent to
street parking, and an unkempt wooded area existed alongside the paved path at the rear of
the park. The wooded area was overgrown with weeds, covered with litter, and frequently
visited by youth. The dog-walkers who regularly visited this park tended to be white
males, while South Asian and Southeast Asian visitors tended to be adults who walked
briskly through the park. Although a public art installation located at the front of the park
is suggestive of a playground, the park does not contain a playground. In public
consultations, local residents indicated that this park is a much-needed amenity, but also
cited concerns about litter and safety. (McCormack et al., 2014)

West Hillhurst Park. West Hillhurst was established in 1945 and has a population of 5,757.
West Hillhurst park is an open green space with tall, well-established trees and a bridge at
one end. The informal trail running parallel to the chain-link fence separating the park
from Memorial Drive was used by joggers and dog-walkers, and the large, open grassy
area provided a suitable place for recreational activities. The playground included three
benches, a picnic table, two swing sets, two animal figurines mounted on springs, a see-
saw, a climbing apparatus, and a slide. No dogs were allowed within 20-meters of the
playground, and graffiti was evident on the garbage can and box. Public consultations were
divided on whether dog-walking and childcare were compatible uses for the park.
(McCormack et al., 2014)
Meadowlark park. Meadowlark is a small community with a population of 605 in 2011.
Meadowlark park consists of multiple open green spaces separated by trees, shrubbery,
and fences. A dual-use path connects the neighborhood with an adjacent community and a
major shopping mall. Sidewalks were located on the northern perimeter of the park, a
chain-link fence enclosed an area up to the sidewalk on the northwest end, and a public art
installation was constructed near the entrance. Graffiti was evident on multiple utility
distribution poles along the park perimeter, and there was a partially-fenced un-landscaped
section near the public art installation. Chinook Shopping Centre could be seen from
within the park, and the majority of residents in the neighborhood of Meadowlark are

15
Canadian-born and older in age. In public consultations, local residents indicated that they
appreciated the park, but complained about traffic and parking. (McCormack et al., 2014)

The four park study sites found variations in the patterns of use, characteristics of users,
and types of activities undertaken. Despite being unable to collect data for the entire day,
patterns of park use were consistent with patterns of use found elsewhere, with the
majority of visits taking place in the afternoons and evenings. Male visitors were more
common than female visitors, and users were more likely to be adults than children or
youth. This pattern is similar to differences in physical activity found between men and
women in population-based studies. To encourage more park visits and more park-based
physical activity among women, design and management strategies could include
improvements associated with safety and greater opportunities for social interaction.
(McCormack et al., 2014)
Park visitors are often more likely to be adults than children or youth, but in one of our
parks, over one-half of all users observed were children or youth. Participation in "play"
activity was low compared with other activities, and the youth who visited the park were
unaccompanied by adults and visited a central secluded wooded area to 'hang-out' and
socialize. This finding contrasts with the West Hillhurst park, which included a playground
and one-third of activity observed was "play". Our findings suggest that playgrounds,
while encouraging children to be physically active, are not the only reason why children
visit parks. Introducing age-appropriate playground equipment, creating and maintaining
sports fields and courts and open spaces, as well as providing areas for socializing that
balance privacy with safety, may encourage more children and teenagers to visit parks.
(McCormack et al., 2014)
Park attributes and the surrounding neighborhood social characteristics are important for
determining the types of park-based activities visitors undertake and the socio-
demographic profile of visitors. The desire to sit outside, surrounded by nature, might be
the very reason people visit parks, yet this desire could still contribute to physical activity
levels by prompting people to walk or cycle, to and from parks. Planners and managers of
parks should consider the potential impacts that physical and symbolic attributes may have
on visits and they should look to maximize attributes that encourage park visitors to be
physically active. (McCormack et al., 2014)

Salutogenesis: Urban Health

Sociologist Aaron Antonovsky’s Theory of Salutogenesis (1979) advanced the concept of
salutogenesis as a juxtaposition to the concept of pathogenesis. The former focuses on
factors that promote human health and well-being, while the latter focuses on what causes
disease. It was found that people who find their environments manageable, develop a
―Sense of Coherence‖ and are better able to sustain health as the World Health
Organization defines it: ―A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and
not merely the absence of disease and infirmity (1948). The central idea of a personal
sense of coherence integrates the meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability of
an experience or disease. Which means the more a person can make sense of

16
(meaningfulness), understand (comprehensibility) and handle (manageability) an
experience or disease, the greater the potential to successfully cope with it.

And at an age where urbanisation and technology advances faster than ever before,
humans are living longer. Unsurprisingly, the turn of phrase ―Salutogenic Design‖ was
pioneered, which refer to design solutions that keep people healthy throughout their
lifetime. (Dilani, 2006) According to Antonosky, this measurable aspect of design can help
people operate at peak performance and maintain physical and mental wellbeing. This
establishes the need for salutogenic design operating beyond biophilia, on multiple scales,
as an ―ultimate investment in people‖.
―The Salutogenic City‖ (Marcus, Sachs, 2014) described how neighbourhoods can include
safe and interactive pedestrian and cyclist-friendly sidewalks, making physical activity an
easy choice rather than an out-of-the way recreational option. Congested arterial roads can
also be replaced with more walkable, heterogenous street grids. In encouraging active
living, we will also be creating spaces that allow people to age in place. Buildings can
accomplish salutogenic design via passive environmental design, creative wayfinding,
welcoming spaces and even staircases that encourages walking over the use of elevators.
Interiors can do so by using biophilic elements like healthy plants and natural materials.
Although these strategies are not new or groundbreaking on their own, they provide the
sort of novelty and variety our evolutionary memory craves. More importantly, salutogenic
design laid out in enriched environments will redefine and unify concepts of green
communities, eco-towns and smart cities.

The Application of Salutogenesis in Communities and Neighborhoods

There is growing consensus that the places where people live and the various social
processes, relationships, and psychosocial concepts associated with strong healthy
communities and neighborhoods make an important contribution to health. Where you live
makes a considerable difference; people living in more affluent communities, for example,
are more likely to experience better self-reported health and well-being. This is particularly
evident in current theoretical and policy debates concerning the salutogenic and so-called
strength or assets-based approach to health; healthy communities have various social and
physical resources available, which if they can recognize, share and utilize, can result in
stronger SOC, increasing their ability to cope and thrive. Within health promotion we
actively encourage communities to organize themselves for better health and well-being.
The concept of ―community‖ is both complex and subjective and difficult to define. So we
start by conceptualizing the definitions, dimensions, and meanings of community—beyond
a physical location—underpinning this chapter. There are several ideas linking the
community or neighborhood as a setting, including community as a place to live,
connectedness (social capital) and social action (the development of a strong SOC). The
evidence is variable in quality and furthermore, few studies explicitly apply the theory of
salutogenesis when they study health and well-being in the community context. The body
of this chapter is devoted therefore to summarizing the available research about
salutogenic and asset-based community interventions, drawing upon examples from
empirical work. In doing so, we will highlight debates emerging around the concepts of a

17
salutogenic framework and health assets in relation to community and neighborhood. As
such, we are specifically interested in examining the resources (and/or assets) of
communities and neighborhoods and the associated processes enabling these resources to
be accessed for the benefit of the community’s health and well-being.
Communities and neighborhoods have re-emerged as important settings for health
promotion; they are particularly effective for encouraging social processes which may
shape our life-chances and lead to improved health and well-being (Biddle &
Seymour, 2012); consequently, as Scriven & Hodgins, (2012) note, of all the settings
(cities, schools, workplaces, and universities, etc.) communities are the least well-defined.
Indeed, within the health literature, they are frequently referred to in terms of place,
identity, social entity, or collective action.

(a) Community as a place —the natural, physical, & built environment

Territorial or place community can be seen as where people have something in common,
and this shared element is understood geographically. Another term for this is ―locality.‖
As such community refers to physical characteristics in the green and built local
environment where people live.
(b) Community as individual and collective identity (sense of community)

A second way of defining communities is as individual or collective identities.

Communities are groups who share an interest or a common set of circumstances. It is
based on notions of a common perception of collective needs and priorities, and an ability
to assume collective responsibility for community decisions (Scriven & Hodgins, 2012). A
concept also referred to as ―sense of community,‖ a community psychology concept,
referring to the experience rather than its structure or the physical attributes (Chavis &
Wandersman, 1990). Mc Knight and Block (2010) argue that the most significant factors
determining one’s health is the extent to which people are positively connected to each
other, the environment they inhabit and the local economic opportunities. Or as Rutherford
said, ―Tend to the social and the individual will flourish‖ (Rutherford, 2008).
(c) Community as social entity (cohesion, social capital)

Neighborhood cohesion and social capital are central constructs when communities are
defined as social entities. Neighborhood Cohesion has been referred to in the literature as a
measure of cognitive and structural capability, community attachment, and the effect of
residential stability on individual and contextual effects on local friendship ties, collective
attachment, and rates of local social participation (Buckner, 1988).
A socially cohesive neighborhood ―hangs together‖ in a way that component parts fit in
and contribute towards a communities’ collective well-being with minimal conflict
between groups (Robinson, 2005). The British Government outlined its definition of
community cohesion as follows: ―Community Cohesion is what must happen in all
communities to enable different groups of people to get on well together. A key
contributor to community cohesion is integration which is what must happen to enable new
residents and existing residents to adjust to one another‖ (Commission-on-Integration-and-

18
Cohesion, 2007). This is particularly relevant in terms of ethnic, religious, social, and
cultural affinity.

The second aspect of community as social entity, community social capital, is a salutary
factor on a collective level and can be defined as ―features of social organization such as
networks, norms, and trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit‖
(Frohlich & Potvin, 1999). This salutary factor is not the individual him/herself, but the
structure surrounding individuals; social capital is a community level or ecological factor.
The central premise of social capital is that social ties and networks, although rarely
visible, are an incredibly powerful and valuable resource (Elliot et al., 2012).
(d) Community as collective action (reactive-resilience; pro-active community action)
As collective action, there is a reactive form referred to as resilience and a pro-active form
referred to as community action. Community resilience refers to the ability of individuals,
families, communities, and neighborhoods to cope with adversity and challenges (Morton
& Lurie, 2013). The idea of resilience is central to a strength-based or assets approach to
health.
It must be taken into account that residents have various ways of ―participating,‖ being
active in community life that look beyond participation in formalized activities.
Participation takes place in spaces, private and public, and in activities they find
meaningful as ways of being engaged in and practicing community life (Larsen &
Stock, 2011).
A more pro-active view refers to community action. Community action means bringing
people together to increase their voice in decisions that affect their lives, such as the way
their living environment is planned or built. This collective action also changes the way
people see themselves: not as individuals, struggling to be heard or acknowledged in some
power relationship or another, whether this is ―individual and the state,‖ or
―individual/group to individual/group,‖ but part of a collective of shared interest and
vision. Levels of social capital are shaped by the ability of specific communities to have a
voice in the decision-making processes affecting them. Communities with less social
capital are also perceived to have lower levels of mutual trust and reciprocity (Attwood,
Singh, & Britain, 2003), bringing with it its own set of issues or problems such as
increased isolation, segregation, exclusion, or marginalization of particular groups living in
the same community.

Community Intervention Approaches

Community intervention approaches hold widespread appeal in health promotion and as
such many have originated in response to the guiding principles of the Ottawa Charter
(WHO, 1986). As mentioned, empirical evidence of a salutogenic approach in practice is
relatively scarce and thus reviews of the literature yield limited results; alternative
examples of community intervention approaches, relevant to salutogenic approach, are
likely to emerge in future. For the purpose of this chapter we have chosen locality

19
development, an assets orientation and community organizing, as current examples of
promising application in the field.

Link Between Healthy Communities and Salutogenesis

The salutogenic model remains at the heart of this chapter and will now be explored in
relation to community and neighborhood. This model is based on two fundamental
concepts: generalized resistance resources (GRRs) and the Sense of Coherence (SOC).
GRRs are resources found within an individual or in their environment that can be used to
counter the stressors of everyday life and construct coherent lives experiences. The SOC is
the ability to identify and use resources in a health promoting manner. The approach of the
salutogenic theory is to focus on the interaction between the individual, the community,
and the environment. Relating the earlier described conceptualizations of community to
the salutogenic model means that the locality, sense of community, cohesion, and social
capital can be considered as GRRs and that collective action can be considered as the
salutogenic mechanism of moving towards the health end of the continuum and building
up GRRs. In everyday life communities are continuously affected by daily hassles and
stress which one has to deal with. Whether the outcome will be salutary depends on how
communities are able to manage tension by using the resources at their disposal. In this
chapter we are specifically interested in the resources (and/or assets) inherent within the
community and the associated processes enabling these resources to be accessed for the
benefit of the community and its well-being. Community members share communal
aspects that influence how they may interact with their surrounding context and stressors.
These shared influences (sometimes referred to as collective SOC since it concerns a group
rather than an individual) can enable populations to move towards the ease-end of the
continuum (Antonovsky, 1996).

From a pathogenic perspective urban neighborhoods with many disadvantages are called
― riskscapes ‖ (Wilson, Hutson, & Mujahid, 2008). We suggest the term ― resourcescapes ‖
with healthy and equitable planning and zoning in communities and access to resources
(GRRs) such as homes with gardens, local employment opportunities, easy commuting
distances, accessible and affordable grocery stores, recreational and cultural facilities,
parks, open space, healthy schools, and medical facilities fit with the salutogenic
framework. One way to facilitate stronger SOC is to help raise awareness of available and
―untapped‖ resources, which may enable people to take greater control of their own
situation or health and well-being. Several tools now exist to help people and communities
themselves to explore the inherent assets.

Possible social assets/resources in the community include for example the presence of
adult role models who are employed in meaningful and rewarding jobs (Kawachi, 2010)
and the presence of informal social control (Sampson, Raudenbush, & Earls, 1997). This
concept refers to the capacity of a community to regulate behaviors of its members
according to collectively desired roles.

The above examples of resources can also help communities to be more resilient against
social and environmental transitions such air pollution, urban decay, man-made and natural

20
disasters, and climate change. As the next section illustrates, healthy communities have
healthy physical characteristics, a strong sense of community, and a strong social capital.
Through a shared interest and vision and profiting from assets available, community
members actively organize themselves for better health and well-being.

The link between how people feel and circumstances of their own lives, better equips them
to survive adverse situations or circumstances (Foot & Hopkins, 2010). Little research
however has been devoted to the variety of mechanisms that promote the development of a
strong collective SOC (García-Moya, Rivera, Moreno, Lindström, & Jiménez-
Iglesias, 2012). As Fone, Farewell, & Dunstan (2006) demonstrate, the ability to
conceptualize, define, operationalize, and measure the specific resources and pathways
within the social environment that link the neighborhood of residence to health outcome is
complex and reliant upon sophisticated multilevel analysis (Lee & Maheswaran, 2011).
Not foregoing this type of approach, examining the role of community and neighborhood
from a salutogenic and strengths perspective requires us to unravel what is meant by a
salutogenic pathway. But, as illustrated below, the difficulty in isolating key components
within this pathway is in itself a challenge for researchers in this field and may well
explain the paucity of research of an empirical nature into salutogenesis involving
communities and neighborhood. Some may also ask if it is appropriate or possible, because
to do so is to ignore the very complexity that characterizes such systems.

Current Literature on Salutogenesis, Community, and Neighborhood

In this part of the chapter we explore the relevant literature on how communities influence
the health of its members. We primarily consider etiological research that is explicitly
related to the salutogenic orientation and/or to key concepts of salutogenesis. Secondarily,
we consider research relevant to salutogenesis and show how this research is related to this
concept. The literature is brought together under the organizing structure used throughout
this chapter of neighborhood or community as (a) a place, (b) connectedness (we combine
sense of community, cohesion, and social capital) (c) social action.

Implications for Salutogenic Practice

It is crucial to demonstrate in this part how the area of salutogenesis can be advanced by
drawing from this extensive literature, as well as how the field of community health could
gain from being more closely associated with salutogenesis.

Traditional risk factor reduction in neighborhoods is still a crucial and relevant goal for
health promotion. Some contend that it is equally crucial to strike a better balance between
the conventional emphasis on risk and deficit and an assets approach. Given that
salutogenic theory serves as the theoretical foundation for the assets approach, it is
necessary to have a deeper knowledge of how the salutogenic model translates into
community- and neighborhood-level health promotion policy and practice. An essential
first step is to unravel the intricate connection between SOC and GRRs in the context of
community and neighborhood.

21
Antonovosky originally articulated the need to appreciate the reciprocal or mutual
requirement of his salutogenic model: both a strong sense of SOC and interaction with
GRRs. Salutogenic research has illustrated this time after time, not least in research
conducted in the community and neighborhood, where social connectivity is a clear
example of a GRR.

In practical terms, we can conclude that from a salutogenic perspective, rich environments
for learning and meaningful contexts seem to play an important role at the community
level. As many salutogenic community interventions might be influenced by other broader
structural factors i.e., poverty, unemployment, and economic crisis, investing in
communities should be complemented by wider structural interventions (Szreter &
Woolcock, 2004).

We found that the available evidence explicitly based on salutogenic theory is limited.
However, there are a number of disciplines which apply a similar frame of mind but do not
link this to the theory of salutogenesis. We recommend people interested in this area to
look in other disciplines than health promotion such as urban sociology, cultural
geography and social work. We found that there is a lot of thinking in the same direction
(interaction between environment and how people think, perceive their environment).

Opportunities exist for a greater emphasis on salutogenic theory in all areas of social
policy including housing, regeneration, youth and community work, young people and
play, community safety and policing, education and employment.
There is an abundance of evidence of a relationship between strong social connection or
connectivity and enhanced sense of health and well-being. How this plays out at the
community level is more difficult to articulate. Research into communities where social
capital and cultural capital are seen as GRRs is largely lacking (Lindström, 2012). More
research is required that adopts a salutogenic lens for interpreting health and well-being
within this context. Recent examples (Dunleavy, Kennedy, & Vaandrager, 2014;
Schreuder et al., 2014) have attempted to use the theoretical framework of salutogenesis to
identify potential GRRs and the underlying mechanisms of health development; although
useful and, seemingly logical, one of the challenges of this approach is to stay critical
about what we label as GRRs and SOC. A more inductive type of research is also needed
to further examine when a resource becomes a GRR.

A salutogenic community approach/asset approach of creating rich, social, and physical

environments for learning and meaningful contexts leads to improved outcomes in a range
of domains, and it is difficult to capture them (and certainly only measuring SOC makes
little sense). More work is needed to help develop appropriate indicators for both the assets
approach and salutogenic theory and other strength-based approaches.
Effects of a salutogenic community approach might not be visible immediately but might
take a long time. Health Promotion is however used to this challenge. For decades now we
have had to educate researchers and policy makers from other fields or familiar with more
traditional paradigms to recognize the relativist and distal nature of so many of the
outcomes from health promotion practice. As already mentioned, the complexity of

22
community systems confounds this further. We must therefore seek to develop a range of
indicators to measure health and well-being at the community level; if we can break this
down further into key concepts to be associated with salutogenic processes then this will
be progress. New research designs are also needed to capture effectiveness questions.

23
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

24
3.1 Research Design
The method that will be conducted in this study is a descriptive method. Descriptive
methods will be used to determine systematically the current conditions of the Balikbayan
Park of Urdaneta City. This method aims to anticipate furthering the information needed in
this research.

3.2 Sample of Population

As this study aims to be in line with the Local Government Unit’s planning and
development, a focus group discussion was conducted as a quantitative approach to gain
an in-depth understanding of issues and further plans for the development of the park. An
interview was conducted in the offices of the City of Urdaneta: Office of The City
Planning Development Coordinator, Office of The City Engineer, and Office of The
Municipal Budget Officer. The sample of the population of this study stood at 600
respondents.

3.3 Instrument for Data Collection

Quantitative Method
The method that will be conducted in this study is a Quantitative Method. This study
presents a quantitative research approach as the basis for the study and to examine and/or
understand the elements of the urban park measuring visitors’ reactions to the settings they
encounter in Balikbayan Park. We will conduct a survey that requires the participants
(Urdanetanians) to answer whether they perceived positively or negatively in Balikbayan
park.

3.4 Method of Data Collection

In order to support and offer the necessary data for the study, the researchers will employ a
variety of approaches and procedures for collecting data. These include questionnaires,
internet/blog sites, and on-site observations.

 Questionnaire Analysis
The questionnaire will ask about the residents' and bystanders' actual experiences on
the property, which may give context to the genuine hardships and obstacles that the
people are facing. This information will be carefully analyzed and used as the basis for the
design solution.

 Observation
On-site observation will provide us with the direct, first-hand information we need to
collect in order to keep the flow of our research proposal strong. This will provide us with
inspiration for Improving Public Satisfaction with Urban Parks: Re-integrating Public
Perception in the Redevelopment of Balikbayan Park in Urdaneta City.

25
 An online survey will be used to examine the respondents’ perceptions. The
respondents were the local Urdanetanian citizens from different ages and social
backgrounds.

3.5 Data Collection Tools

The researchers will use different methods and techniques in gathering data, this includes
surveys, internet/blog sites and onsite observations to uphold and provide needed data of
the study.

We, the researchers, did an actual observation and survey research at Balikbayan Park in
Gracia Village last May. The study took place in Nancayasan, Urdaneta City near Our
Lady of Lilies Academy, and less than 500 meters away from CB Mall. We have the
sample of Ten (51) Respondents of ages (under 15 through to over 64) that were
represented and they were all personally surveyed on the same questions.

 In-Person Interview

The Researchers used In-Person Interview with the local Municipal Development
and Planning Office to gather data for our research.

 Observation

The Researchers Used Observation method to observe how the park looks now and
what are the problems that need to be addressed for our research.

26
 i. Survey Analysis

The survey will entail an onsite experience of the specialist such as LGU, Engineering,
Tennis Club of Urdaneta City, DSWD Personnel, Civil Service Personnel, Red Cross and
also visitors of parks that may give inferences, lessons, or conclusions by condensing large
amounts of data into relatively smaller, more manageable bits of understandable
information that will be greatly considered and will serve as a foundation for the design
solution.

ii. Internet

The Internet will assist us in providing literature about our recommended proposal and will
provide a means of giving more information about public or urban parks.

iii. Onsite Observation

Onsite observation will give us with direct and first-hand data that needs to be gathered in
maintaining a good flow for our research proposal. This will give us the idea on to
revitalizing the balikbayan park in Urdaneta and what other plans will best suit the park
visitors, local government agencies, park management, and community organizations.

3.6 Data Analysis

The researchers prepared some questionnaires, a close-ended questionnaire that offer

respondents a limited set of responses to choose from. Sample no. of Respondents (51), 35
Female and 15 Male and 1 (other).

The researchers created a closed-ended questionnaire (Ordered) in which the answers are
presented in a specific order. Questionnaires are covered in detail in the Data Collection
section up top.

1. To which age group do you belong?

2. How often do you visit/use Balikbayan Park?
3. What do you often do in the Balikbayan Park?
4. What is important to see happen to the park?
5. What would you like to see done to the park?
6. How well is the park maintained?
7. Would any events attract you to the park?
8. Safety level of Balikbayan Park during the day and night.
9. Would you like to remove/relocate the government facilities?

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 CHAPTER 4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

28
4.1 Qualitative Data Source

The purpose of this study is to find issues or areas in Balikbayan Park that are in need of
further development and introduce features that will transform spaces to strengthen the
connections between people through placemaking and improving shared spaces.

With the use of observational and focus group discussion, the park was assessed and the
underlying issues, and future development plans of the park were identified.

4.2 FINDINGS: SWOT Analysis of the site and structures

Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats

 Community  Distant from  They raise  Competiti

involvement other business property on from
and public buildings. values, boost other
 Near the tax revenue recreation
interest.
residential for local al areas.
 Visits to parks area. governments,  Other
are made  Lack of and attract parks have
possible and exposure to residents and more
encouraged. the public due workers. exposure.
 Social and to its  Can promote
psychological location. physical and
well-being are  Exorbitant mental health
improved by security costs. awareness.
exposure to
urban green
spaces.
 Appeal to all
ages.
 Walkable from
the
neighborhood.

AREAS FINDINGS

People’s park - Poor waste segregation area.

-Unused and poorly maintained facilities.
-Plants are present but no proper landscaping can be seen.

Playground -Too Rigid looking equipment.

-Little to no variety of playground equipment.
-Poorly maintained decoration.

Findings based on observation

29
A big portion of institutional area has already been developed, plans on developing the
Civil Service Office, road to promenade conversion is on top priority of Urdaneta, but the
People’s Park and Playground are left to oblivion, having no developmental plans ahead.
In this table are the primary reasons on why the full development of the plaza is uphold.

Financial and funding issues

Constraints In Plaza
Development Environmental concern

Economic Priorities

Findings based on interview

4.3 TRANSLATION OF FINDINGS

The researchers conducted a survey to develop a rapport with the participants. Thus, it
helps the surveyors to get quality insights into the participants' beliefs, thoughts,
perceptions, and experiences.

For the analysis, the researchers will transcribe the survey and to be analyzed by
determining the main points and the common denominators.

4.4 INTERPRETATION OF DATA

The respondents for the survey are the locals of Urdaneta CIty. We have gathered
information amongst fifty one people.

Results:
Question #1:
Figure 1: Figure 2:
Figure 2:

30
Figure 3: Figure 4:

Figure 5:

Figure 6:

QUESTION Very Poorly Adequately Well Very

Poor Well

1. How well is the park 0% 3.06% 4.59% 15.81% 2.04%

maintained?

Figure 7:

YES, Cultural events-1 Festivals-2 Chapel-2 Playground-23 Tennis-8 Band concert-1

Basketball-14

Figure 8:

Yes - 42

No - 9

31
Figure 9:

Figure 10:

The respondents recommend more sheds, cleanliness of the surroundings, trash bins all
over the park, have comfort rooms, food stalls, improvement of the stage, playground, and
rearrange government facilities into one building.

4.5 HYPOTHESIS

With the cooperation of the residents of Urdaneta and the local government, we can
improve the Balikbayan park and make it a better place to visit. Improving Public
Satisfaction with Urban Parks: Re-integrating Public Perception in the
Redevelopment of Balikbayan Park in Urdaneta City will result in better and safer
conditions, providing intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to the
Locals.

32
 CHAPTER 5
EVALUATION AND MONITORING

33
 INDICATOR DEFINITION BASELINE TARGET
(How it is calculated?) (What is the current (What is the target
value?) value?)

GOAL Percentage of people Number of people who liked 60% 80%

who like to overall to overall redeveloped the
redevelop the Balikbayan Park
Balikbayan Park.
OUTCOMES Percentage of people Number of who thinks 60% 80%
who think Balikbayan Park did not
Balikbayan Park did meet its role as public park
not meet its role as a
public park.
OUTPUTS Number of people Number of people who 10 342
who visited the interviewed and answered
Balikbayan Park the surveys given by the
researchers.

DATA SOURCE FREQUENCY RESPONSIBLE

(How will it be measured?) (How often will it be (Who will measure it?)
measure?)

GOAL Interview and Survey Weekly The Researchers

OUTCOMES Interview and Survey Weekly The Researchers

OUTPUT Answered surveys and Weekly The Researchers

questionnaires

34
 CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATION

35
6.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

There are many problems that need to be solved. Our survey reveals that Balikbayan Park
faces a number of issues, including the lack of universal design solutions to suit a range of
ages and abilities, outdated playground equipment, insufficient landscaping, and inefficient
waste management disposal. Due to these issues, the park is unable to live up to its
potential as a significant urban green space and cannot encourage Urdanetanians to engage
in physical activity, social connection, or overall wellbeing.

6.2 SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers came to the following recommendations for Gracia Village, Nancayasan,
Urdaneta City's urban green spaces:

a. Designing with both softscape and hardscape elements in mind would help
the Gracia Village achieve its goal of developing its urban green space.
These are doable solutions to increase the number of urban green spaces. In
addition to providing shade and milder temperatures, this will also improve
the aesthetics of the area.

b. To further improve the park, a better and more well-organized sports area
should be taken into account. This would give folks a place to exercise and
encourage leading healthy lifestyles. Additionally, community events and
competitions might be held there, bringing individuals from various
backgrounds together and fostering a sense of oneness.

36
c. The availability of restrooms is an essential component of designing
accessible and welcoming public places for everyone. To preserve hygiene
and cleanliness and to give users a safe environment, access to clean, well-
maintained restrooms is necessary.

d. A well-maintained and secure park playground is also essential. The

equipment on the playground should be age- and safety-appropriate, and it
should be created with safety in mind.

e. Any public park must have a space where people can relax and interact. It
offers a location where individuals can relax and interact with one another.
It's important to take into account the availability of benches and seating
areas.

37
 f. Trash bins for best practices and signage. Assuming that people perceive a
park without waste receptacles as more attractive, one possible answer
would be that people will see that the park becomes more beautiful and
therefore feel motivated to keep it that way and take their waste items with
them. It is very important to prevent the spread of diseases that emerged
from places where trash was thrown. Recycling also helps in energy
conservation, reducing pollution, and landfill reduction.

CONCLUSION
Green spaces in urban parks are crucial for city residents' wellbeing. They offer a setting
for unwinding, moving, and interacting with others. Though not all green places are
created equal, some might be underused or in need of maintenance. Urban green areas can
be improved using a public perception-driven strategy to address this problem. This entails
getting input from locals regarding their requirements and preferences for these areas. City
planners can spend resources wisely and create new green spaces by knowing what
residents want from their neighborhood parks and gardens. This strategy may result in a
more energetic and sustainable urban setting that is advantageous to all people who live
there.
The majority of respondents, according to the study's conclusions, said that Gracia Village,
Nancayasan, and Urdaneta City's urban green areas needed to be upgraded. The advice that
follows will place more of an emphasis on adding urban green space to the park because
the majority of respondents were in agreement that doing so will strengthen the park's
comfort and attractiveness. This will enhance and improve the park's current vistas. The
following inferences were made in light of the results:

1. Gracia Village's park will be developed and improved, according to the majority
of respondents.
2. Most respondents agreed that both hardscape and softscape design should be
taken into account in the park.

38
3. The majority of respondents said that the sports facilities needed to be
improved.

4. The majority of respondents said they did not want to move or eliminate any
park amenities, hence new amenities, such as public restrooms, should be installed.

EXISTING BALIKBAYAN PARK IN URDANETA CITY

39
PROPOSED BALIKBAYAN PARK IN URDANETA CITY

MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN

40
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