Parks and Older People's Sense of Community: Examining the Role of Urban Parks in Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Brisbane, Australia

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the role of urban parks in fostering a sense of community among older people. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which emphasises supporting the environment to foster health and well-being. METHODS: We surveyed 123 individuals aged 70 years and older in Brisbane, Australia. Through the application of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), we investigated the interplay between the attractions and barriers to parks and the sense of community and social networks. RESULTS: Our findings showed that park visiting among older people is associated with a heightened sense of community. When parks have more attractive facilities, older adults visit more often. More attractive facilities are also associated with a heightened sense of community. However, we found no relationship between park facilities or park visits and social network size, although women reported larger local social networks than men. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the critical importance of parks for fostering a sense of community among older adults. These insights highlight the need for urban environments that are not only physically accessible but also perceived as safe, attractive and supportive of activity preferences.