Do hypothetical and actual service distances align for urban fringe parks? An investigation of Shanghai using big data

In China's transition from rapid urbanization to high-quality development, urban peripheral parks are increasingly crucial for ecological services and quality of life. However, a disparity persists between their intended function and actual usage, a common occurrence in megacities of China. This study aims to identify the actual service distance and accessibility of parks in fringe areas, using the southwestern sector of Shanghai's main urban fringe as an example. By utilizing mobile location data, it explores the multilevel service attributes of urban fringe parks. Analyzing spatial characteristics from the perspectives of clustering distances and life circle service capabilities, it concludes that: 1) fringe parks exhibit lower service capacities compared to central ones, mainly providing routine services; 2) fixed service range models are inadequate, especially for fringe parks; and 3) community and district-level parks have comparable service distances, highlighting the need to enhance district-level parks. This research aims to optimize park site selection and functions in urban peripheries, providing insights for sustainable planning.