Evaluating the Accessibility of Seniors to Urban Park Green Spaces

Accessibility is a vital measure of convenience for seniors in accessing urban park green spaces (UPGS). However, current research on accessibility for seniors faces challenges in terms of the reliability of results, and existing categorization methods lack an exploration of accessibility equity. Consequently, there are limited references for city managers to formulate urban planning programs. In this context, this study focuses on Ningbo City, China, and establishes a framework connecting accessibility research and urban planning practices by (1) utilizing the smallest unit in urban planning and zoning regulations as the study's basis; (2) enhancing the reliability of accessibility results through improved input data for the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA); and (3) exploring accessibility equity by constructing an Accessibility Difference Index (ADI) and employing Hotspot Analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The study identified blocks as the smallest unit for accessibility analysis by extracting centerlines from major urban roads. Additionally, the study controlled park division shapes using the Slenderness Ratio and incorporated Baidu population data and path planning time, resulting in more precise 2SFCA results. Consequently, the findings indicated inadequate accessibility in areas where seniors gathered and in the periphery of the study area. Public transportation can significantly improve accessibility equity. The results of the correlation analyses at 15 and 30 min supported this finding. Additionally, the results from the ADI revealed a left-skewed distribution in the assessment data on accessibility equity at 15, 30, and 45-min intervals. Therefore, the accessibility equity for seniors in Ningbo was insufficient. Finally, this paper proposes solutions based on the 2SFCA model, including enhancing the areas and quality of UPGS and optimizing the distribution of seniors. This study can inform urban planning by enhancing transport planning and improving minimum standards for UPGS in zoning regulations. This framework assesses the degree of equity in specific blocks and can guide equity planning in urban areas.