How a community uses its parks: A case study of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Among the many types of urban parks, neighbourhood parks and sports‐grounds have an important place in the thinking of urban planners and designers. How does the community itself regard its neighbourhood parks? Are they truly an asset or are they more like wastelands? If they are used at all, who are the predominant users? This study provides some answers to these questions for an Australian suburban community and confirms that neighbourhood parks are indeed used, though not usually on a daily basis, and mostly only by members of those households who live closest to them. Children and teenagers are the most important users.