A Study on the Use of Parks in the Green Matrix System of Kohoku New Town, Japan

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of parks planned for the open space network system, called the "the Green Matrix System" in Kohoku New Town. The main purpose of the Green Matrix System is to connect parks, communal facilities, and apartment houses with pedestrian and bicycle roads. We investigated the actual condition of park use, with special focus on the combination of parks, and pedestrian and bicycle roads, and in particular their use by pre-school children. We determined the status of use through observational investigation and questionnaire surveys for two areas.The results were, first, that active use was observed by different users for each time period, and that "the extended-pass-type activities" and compound use were observed as a feature of the combination of parks, and pedestrian roads. Second, we conclude that a combination of parks and pedestrian roads strengthens the function of intercommunication and recreation in pass-type activities, and encourages a variety of active uses. On the other hand, it raises safety aspects because of the large amount of bicycles and the strangers passing through the parks, and also because of the numerous blind spots arising because of the plentiful greenery in greenways. There is a possibility that these safety problems could diminish use of the GMS by young children.

The Duality of Visibility: Does Visibility Increase or Decrease the Fear of Crime in Schools′ Exterior Environments?

“…Previous studies have also contended with the problems of open spaces in which people gather. Murota (2009) asserted that the network in an open space can strengthen intercommunication but can also raise safety concerns due to people passing through it. Kim and Moon (2013) also claimed that the flow of human traffic can have a negative side effect.…”

Landscape planning based on EBPM: Location prioritization of green space management

“…In particular, there is an increased risk of contact between bicycles and pedestrians in pedestrian traffic spaces. Murota (2009) has investigated the usage of parks in GMS with observatory surveys and questionnaires, and concluded that the connection of parks and pedestrian pathways encouraged active usage, which leads to safety issues.…”

Are Children Safe from Crime?: Focusing on Streets in Elementary School Zones

“…Previous studies noted that serious crimes occur more often on small roads because they narrow the field of vision and passage fewer people (Simon, 2008). In addition, less danger may be recognized in parks because of hidden spaces behind many trees (Murota, 2009). Therefore, these results indicate that fear of crime and actual crime occurred mainly on small roads measuring less than 8 m wide, in small parks, or near advanced schools.…”