Effects of illumination on accessibility of public parks in South African cities

Abstract

Public parks (PP) and open recreational facilities are essential elements in cities particularly in the residential areas. Evidence from literature suggests that PPs have a positive influence on the social and physical health of the people who have access to them. Although, PPs have been located in the residential areas of South Africa according to urban planning guidelines and rules, they are observed to be underutilised. Many factors including location, accessibility, and social issues like crime or fear of crime, life style, and lack of time are generally attributed for such a scenario. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore how illumination levels in the public parks influence the utilisation of public parks in the residential areas of South African cities. The investigation was conducted by using Bloemfontein city as a case study following a survey research method. The study revealed that more people use the PPs during evening hours, higher illumination is one of the most important factors that contributes to the accessibility of the PPs in the residential areas and the utilisation of parks are enhanced with higher level of artificial illumination.