Balancing Functionality and Well-Being in Urban Forest Planning

Urban forests are key to climate adaptation, recreation, and public health, yet their design and management often prioritize accessibility and maintenance over psychological restoration. This study examines how urban forest planning can better integrate social, ecological, and spatial data to enhance both visitor satisfaction and well-being. Using a nationwide Public Participatory Geographic Information System (PPGIS) survey and Swiss National Forest Inventory (NFI) data, we analyze spatial patterns of urban forest use, perceived attractiveness, and mental well-being. Results reveal for example a striking disparity in Zürich: while urban forests in the metropolitan area show high satisfaction with maintenance and recreation infrastructure, they fail to provide strong well-being benefits. Visitors appreciate functional accessibility and structured management, yet these forests rank low in perceived visual attractiveness and restorative experiences. Key findings indicate that: • Highly structured and well-maintained forests are frequently visited but do not always foster mental restoration. • Forests with diverse vegetation and "wild" elements tend to enhance well-being but may conflict with traditional urban forestry maintenance goals. • Physical accessibility alone does not drive forest use-personal connection and perceived naturalness play a stronger role. These insights highlight the need for a dual approach in urban forest planning: ensuring high functional usability while also creating spaces that support solitude, immersion, and psychological restoration. We propose strategies such as designating quiet zones, reducing visible management interventions, and enhancing forest diversity to balance recreation, biodiversity, and well-being.