A study on the utilization characteristics of agricultural activity spaces developed in urban parks

In recent years, agricultural activities among urban residents have been expanding. Consequently, urban parks are increasingly being utilized as venues for such activities, potentially leading to new patterns of park utilization. This study, therefore, focuses on parks with allotment gardens in Yokohama City. Using the line transect method for behavioral observation, we identified user characteristics and types of use to clarify the utilization features of these agricultural activity spaces. Furthermore, by comparing these results with data from other areas within the same parks and from adjacent parks to understand differences in user attributes and activities, we examined the impact of these designated agricultural activity spaces on park use and considered their potential to contribute to the overall utilization of urban parks. The results indicated that the establishment of agricultural activity spaces within urban parks: 1) promotes park use among older adults; 2) may contribute to the functional specialization of parks by providing targeted health promotion and recreational functions for the elderly; and 3) increases visitors’ length of stay.