Kano-IPA-based post-occupancy evaluation of an urban sports park for active health: a case study in Mianyang, China

Against the backdrop of “Healthy China” and urban renewal, urban sports parks are critical public spaces for promoting residents’ active health. Taking Sanjiang Sports Park in Mianyang as a case, this study used a mixed-methods approach integrating Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) with the Kano–IPA model to evaluate spatial performance and health service functions. Based on 236 valid questionnaires, the results showed that user-oriented facility planning, safety design, and age-inclusive configuration significantly improved usage willingness and experience satisfaction. Core shortcomings included insufficient access convenience, rest facilities, and age-friendly facilities for the elderly and children. Targeted design and refined management can effectively enhance user perception, and a tiered governance model helps improve the health service capacity of public spaces. This study enriches the POE framework of sports parks and provides a reference for the optimization of health-oriented public spaces.