Evaluation of the open space performance for the mass fitness activities in an urban park

Abstract

In the perspective of urban design, the open space performance for mass fitness activities is the objective of this study. Lixiang Park, popular for mass fitness activities for residents in Shenzhen, was selected as a case study. The fitness activities are divided into two categories, track sports and field sports, according to their different spatial characteristics. Inspired by the literature review, the study procedure is established by evaluation with on-site observation and questionnaire. Through the on-site observation at Lixiang Park, the data of the fitness activities and the preference of places were collected and analyzed by observation counting method and behaviour annotation method. On the other hand, a questionnaire survey was done at Lixiang Park with its fitness people as the subjects in order to obtain the data on their perception and satisfaction. Analyzed by SPSS, the results of these two kinds of data both revealed the high performance places. Finally, the open space system with good performance for mass fitness activities in an urban park in Shenzhen, including a loop road, fitness equipment court and lawn, etc.，is inferred by the case study. However, it will be testified by more cases later. Open spaces for mass fitness activities play an important role at human health and well-being, and it is also positive for maintaining social sustainability.