Nature calls: discrete choice analysis of apartment residents’ park attributes and preferences in Australian cities

Abstract More Australians are living in higher-density housing with limited private outdoor space, yet little is known about how apartment residents choose between the parks in their neighbourhood. Using a discrete choice modelling framework, data from 588 survey respondents living in 103 apartment developments across Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth linked residents’ most frequently visited parks with spatially derived park attributes. Multinomial and mixed logit models were estimated to identify drivers of park choice and quantify behavioural trade-offs using willingness-to-travel (WTT) estimates. Residents strongly preferred larger parks located closer to home; willing to travel around 3 km further for a larger park and 1.8 km further for one with public toilets. Dog-friendly areas and recreation- and nature-oriented settings increased park appeal, while playgrounds were particularly valued by families. Overall, park selection among surveyed apartment residents was driven by accessibility, spaciousness, and functional amenities, highlighting the need for equitable, context-sensitive park provision in high-density environments.