Access to urban green spaces in Hannover: An exploration considering age groups, recreational nature qualities and potential demand

City dwellers' accessibility of urban green spaces (UGS) has recently gained immense interest in research and policy. Related scientific studies thus far have focused primarily on spatial distances, largely missing considerations of UGS qualities. We analysed the entire UGS setting of Hannover considering the recreational nature quality and potential demands to identify age-appropriate green spaces by applying a geographic information system analysis of several data sets. Additionally, we assessed the accessibility of UGS for different age groups, varying recreational nature qualities, and potential demands. Results indicate that children and elderly people have poor access to UGS that offers age-related requirements to enable unrestricted nature-based recreation. Nature quality and age-related requirements play a significant role in the assessment of UGS for recreation and accessibility. We conclude that detected vulnerabilities regarding age-related recreation in cities are anchors to mainstream the issue and enhance future planning practices and research.

Automated summary

The accessibility of urban green spaces (UGS) for city dwellers has recently become a subject of great interest in research and policy. Previous studies have primarily focused on spatial distances and overlooked the qualities of UGS. By analyzing various data sets using a geographic information system, we evaluated the entire UGS setting of Hannover and identified age-appropriate green spaces that cater to diverse recreational nature qualities and potential demands. The results highlight the poor access of children and elderly people to UGS that meet their age-related requirements for unrestricted nature-based recreation. Nature quality and age-related requirements are crucial factors in the assessment of UGS accessibility and recreation. Therefore, addressing the vulnerabilities in age-related recreation in cities is essential for future planning and research.