Identifying older adults’ needs for park renewal in low-income neighbourhoods: A citizen science approach

Parks hold great potential for promoting healthy ageing, however, older adults are underrepresented among park visitors, indicating that current park designs may not adequately meet their needs and preferences. This may be explained by older adults often being excluded from planning and development processes for urban green spaces. This participatory study involved older adults living in low-income neighbourhoods in a stepped park design process for redeveloping an urban park in Belgium. The study (1) identifies social and physical park features that were perceived as important to and desired by older adults to promote park visitation, park-based physical activity, social interaction and relaxation and (2) explores the specific designs older adults prefer for the identified physical park features. The study comprised three parts: (1) establishing an action group of older adult citizen scientists, (2) walk-along interviews, and (3) focus group interviews. Results indicated that bench heights higher than standard and with arm and back-supports, accessible and safe walking paths, a range of exercise facilities, shade and shelter, a variation of trees, plants and flowers, and a water feature were most important to and desired by older adults. The participatory process is thoroughly detailed in this paper. The results of this study are important to urban planners, architects, city councils, and policy makers and can inform future participatory design processes and park (re)design. • Older adults value safe, attractive, well-kept parks in socially connected areas. • Parks for older adults should have raised benches with arm and back support. • Safe paths, shade, and exercise areas enhance park designs for older adults. • Older adults appreciate diverse trees, plants, flowers, and water features. • Sustaining older adults' engagement in the participatory process was challenging.