CHAPTER 1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Urban public parks are accessible to all individuals. These green spaces offer a range of

recreational activities, such as sports fields, playgrounds, and walking trails, which promote

physical activity and social interaction among people from diverse backgrounds. Parks provides

opportunities for recreational activities and facilities in the community. It also play a crucial role

in fostering the quality of life in urban areas and promoting environmental awareness.

Perception is psychological processes through the experience gained by the five senses,

individuals can process responses into positive or negative perceptions. Obtaining responses is

obtained through the stages of selection, interpretation, and reaction (Erin, & Maharani, 2018).

This research deals with the importance of community parks to the individuals who use them and

the communities that support them. The perception of people surrounding the park contributes in

improving the park. Positive perceptions of the park from the surrounding community can lead to

increased usage and maintenance of the park, ultimately resulting in a better overall experience

for park-goers. Additionally, community involvement and support can lead to increased funding

and resources for park improvements and programs.

The city's cultural events were originally held at Balikbayan Park in the City of Urdaneta. Due

to poorly planned construction that negatively harmed the open green area, it was unable to fulfil

its intended purpose.

This study recognizes the perception of every person about Balikbayan Park in Urdaneta City to

improve the urban green spaces of the park. It relies on the use of a written and photographic

survey to acquire a perception-based evaluation from the gathered general population. The

findings of the study can be used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Balikbayan Park

and provide recommendations for its improvement to meet the needs and preferences of the

community. This can ultimately lead to a more enjoyable and sustainable urban green space for

the residents of Gracia Village in Urdaneta City.

Identity is a way of organizing information about the self (Clayton and Opotow 2003) and

perception is an experience which is occasioned by the stimulation of sense organs (Dennis

1951). These affect research in a useful way. Recognizing how people react to their environment

helps one to comprehend how they perceive their community.