Utilizing Mobility Data to Investigate Seasonal Hourly Visiting Behavior for Downtown Parks in Dallas

Abstract

Urban parks serve as vital spaces for leisure, social interaction, and nature engagement. At the same time, climate change disproportionately impacts densely populated megacities. While extensive research exists on climate change’s effects on mortality, agriculture, and economic activities, less is known about its impact on urban park usage. Understanding their temporal usage and how temperature changes affect park visitation is crucial for maximizing park benefits and building resiliency. This study analyzes long-term, hourly park visitation data on Dallas, Texas, using digital trace data from SafeGraph (San Francisco, CA, USA), which covers mobile records from approximately 10% of U.S. devices. We focus on five established parks in Dallas and examine their historical temperature data from 2018 to 2022. Descriptive statistics and scatter graphs are utilized to analyze temperature- and demographic-specific visitation patterns. The results of the study highlight the impact of climate change on park visitation and reveal how extreme temperatures influence visitation patterns across parks in Dallas. Additionally, this study explores the differences in visitation based on weekdays versus weekends and highlights demographic disparities. Notably, we examine the implications of nighttime park usage during extreme heat conditions. Our work is informative for urban planners seeking to improve park facilities and comfort amid climate change, ultimately enhancing the resilience and well-being of urban communities.