Comparison of Urban Residents' Uses and Perceptions of Parks in Canada and China

Although park plans in different countries have differences in their names, contexts, criteria, documentation and outputs, they have four key factors in common: quantity, type, facility, and service. In order to examine the operation of these factors and to enhance effective park planning, largely for convenience, residents' use and perceptions of parks are examined in Waterloo, Canada and Shanghai, China which possess very different social, economic and cultural attributes. The four factors are explored from 60 face-to-face interviews. Similarities and differences are described in activity frequency and selection of parks, activity pursuits and nature environment reliance and demand for different park types. And the three park planning constructs are deduced as follows: hierarchy, facilities and activities, and services. These constructs are used to compare and deepen understanding of public perceptions of parks in the two cities.