Developing an educational urban park through a mixed methods approach: a conceptual landscape design for Balekambang park

City parks in developing cities are evolving beyond recreation to support environmental quality, education, and community interaction. However, many parks in developing countries lack learning-oriented design. This study develops a conceptual educational design for Balekambang Park in Surakarta, Indonesia, integrating landscape architecture and elementary education. Mixed-methods data include questionnaires on access, safety, environment, and layout, plus observations, interviews, and spatial analysis. A 100 m2 prototype applies cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and social functions. Findings show frequent family and school use, indicating learning potential. The design links zones near the lake, Partinah Bosch, and thematic gardens, combining interpretation and hands-on learning for sustainability.