Determinants of green space visits in urban areas: The role of personal, situational and physical characteristics. A cross-sectional study in Zurich, Switzerland

The continued growth and densification of urban areas leads to increased road traffic noise exposure for residents and associated health impacts. Green spaces can alleviate these adverse effects by serving as restorative environments and thus promoting well-being. In a cross-sectional study in Zurich, Switzerland, we used an online survey with a participatory mapping approach and explored the associationbetween (i) frequency of individuals' visits to green spaces and their residential environment, individual factors, and the characteristics of green spaces, as well as (ii) number of visitors to specific green spaces and the properties of green spaces. We found that individuals visit green spaces more frequently with increasing road traffic noise annoyance at home (but not the actual noise exposure), more vegetation in their residential areas, greater availability of perceived free time, shorter distances from home to green spaces and with a more eventful perceived soundscape within the green spaces. Further, green spaces attract more visitors with increasing size and when have water bodies. This study showed that, beside visual aspects, soundscape characteristics should be taken into account in urban green space planning. • Participatory mapping approach to study visits to green spaces (GSs) • Road traffic noise annoyance but not exposure increases visits • Vegetation, free time, smaller distance and GSs soundscape also promote visits • Size and water bodies are important features of GSs for attracting more visitors