Exploration of Factors That Reduce Residents’ Willingness to Use Different Types of Urban Parks in Beijing

Urban parks are vital for enhancing residents’ quality of life. With ongoing urban expansion, park visitation and quality expectations have risen, yet research on ecosystem disservices—i.e., the negative impacts of parks—remains limited compared with studies on ecosystem services. This study addresses this gap by investigating why residents may avoid parks, focusing on how negative perceptions vary across different park types. Through questionnaire surveys conducted in 68 parks across five categories in central Beijing, residents’ concerns were analyzed. Findings show significant differences among park type: users of small neighborhood parks emphasized internal noise, infrastructure, and cleanliness; while users of medium and large regional park users prioritized safety risks, followed by landscape and infrastructure issues. Users of historically significant parks raised concerns related to overcrowding and plant emissions, while those of special theme parks highlighted issues related to the cultural or natural atmosphere. Accordingly, park renovation should adopt type-specific strategies rather than uniform approaches. Drawing on successful Beijing cases, targeted improvements and a sustainable business operation model are proposed to address funding limitations. These results align with China’s park classification framework and offer insights for international urban park management, ultimately contributing to improved resident well-being and reduced urban inequality.