Is Green Space More Equitable in High-Income Areas? A Case Study of Hangzhou, China

Urban green spaces are essential for public health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of their equitable distribution in urban development. Despite efforts to expand green spaces, however, significant disparities persist between their spatial and social allocation. This study classified urban green spaces into community parks, urban parks, and country parks, and examined the relationship of their green coverage and park accessibility to neighborhood property prices in Hangzhou. We then assessed the urban green space equity using Gini coefficients. We found that (1) urban green space inequities occurred in both green coverage and accessibility; (2) high-priced neighborhoods occupied more green resources, especially green coverage and community park accessibility, but exhibited less green equity; and (3) low-priced neighborhoods and urban villages had the lowest green resources but more equity for country parks. This study highlights the relationship between property price (as a proxy for income) and urban green space equity at the neighborhood scale. The results offer guidance for policymakers and planners aiming to promote green equity and sustainable development in cities.