Methodological Advances and Gaps in Urban Green Space and Schoolyard Greening Research: A Critical Review

Rapid urbanization has highlighted the importance of sustainable and equitable urban green infrastructure, notably schoolyard greening, as a means of improving public health, resilience, and social equity. Despite methodological developments in measuring the impact of green spaces on property values, major gaps and inconsistencies remain. This critical review systematically examines recent methodological developments in urban green space and schoolyard greening research, focusing on quantitative approaches such as hedonic pricing models, spatial econometrics, and machine learning, as well as the incorporation of remote sensing and GIS data. Significant gaps include a lack of longitudinal and mixed- methods research, an insufficient emphasis on schoolyard-specific interventions, and an underrepresentation of equality, justice, and Global South contexts. The review promotes consistent measuring frameworks, increased transparency, and the incorporation of qualitative and participative methodologies. Future research on urban greening and property outcomes should be more methodologically rigorous, inclusive, and policy relevant, according to the recommendations.