The City of Parks : Perceptions of Green Space Quality and Potential for Outdoor Exercise in Malmö

Abstract: As urban health challenges grow worldwide, the need for usable green space in cities also increases. Sedentary lifestyles, crowded urban areas, and the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to the need for more outdoor exercise space in recent years for all ages and communities. An assessment of green exercise space qualities and an identification of factors that determine how green spaces are used for exercise could lead to improved green spaces, increased use of those spaces and better overall physical activity and health outcomes for all population groups. Qualitative analysis of Malmö’s green exercise spaces examines the qualities of green spaces identified by the perceptions of residents in neighborhoods across the city, and then uses those perceptions in conjunction with determinants of green space use to find opportunities to make green spaces in the city more attractive and usable for exercise. Two interviews with officials from Malmö city government illustrate the city’s perspective of designing and creating green spaces. The determinants of use for green spaces are examined and analyzed based on the interview responses. These responses were analyzed using the Affordances and Determinants framework to find opportunities to make more high-quality use out of current green exercise spaces. A thematic analysis of city planning documents also provides longitudinal context to the topic. Barriers to accessibility and use of green exercise spaces were identified, as well as findings that would allow the city of Malmö to work more closely with residents to create usable green exercise spaces for all.