Evaluating the quality of mid-sized city parks: a replication and extension of the Public Space Index

Abstract

The current study evaluates the quality of 60 city parks in Northwest Florida, using the Public Space Index developed by Vikas Mehta. This index combines the following five dimensions of public space: inclusiveness, safety, comfort, pleasurability and meaningful activities. It uses 40 variables to score public spaces across these five dimensions. The analysis serves as a replication and extension of the PSI in a mid-sized city environment. The findings attest to the utility of this methodological tool for the study of public space across urban environments, on a larger scale, and across disciplines. However, the discussion and implications suggest the limitations of the PSI for use in smaller cities and less urban environments. The study concludes with specific suggestions for adapting the measures of the PSI to more appropriately capture the quality of public space in these settings.

Notes

1. The city of Pensacola is located in Escambia County. Although only 52,000 residents live within Pensacola city limits, over 300,000 residents live in the county. Pensacola is the primary urban area, and the park system serves residents throughout the county. Including residents from outside the city limits, the citizen survey included a total of 738 respondents (Ruckman 2016).