Trygghet på Ålidhem : En studie om människors användning av allmänna lekplatser samt sport- och aktivitetsområden

This bachelor’s thesis explores how perceptions of safety influence the use of playgrounds and activity areas in the Ålidhem district of Umeå, Sweden. The aim is to investigate who uses these public spaces, when they are used, and how experiences of safety vary between different demographic groups, particularly between parents and non-parents. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining an online questionnaire with systematic on-site observations conducted in two parks: Ålidhemsparken and Tandparken. The collected data were analyzed both descriptively and through basic statistical methods to identify patterns related to time of day, gender, age, and family status. The results show that public space usage varies by time and demographic group. Children and adults accompanying them were most often observed in Ålidhemsparken during the afternoon, while young men dominated the evening hours in Tandparken, a site designed as a multisport arena. Questionnaire responses indicated that individuals with children use these areas more frequently but also avoid them more often due to safety concerns—particularly women. These findings suggest that perceived safety and spatial design interact to shape who feels welcome in public spaces and when. The study highlights the need for inclusive urban planning that prioritizes both emotional and physical accessibility for all user groups—especially women, children and parents.