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Memories of vacant lots: how and why residents used informal urban green space as children and teenagers in Brisbane, Australia, and Sapporo, Japan
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 15:30 authored by Rupprecht, CDD, Jason ByrneJason Byrne, Lo, AYContact with nature is vital for the development of children and teenagers. In the past, informal urban green spaces (IGS) such as vacant lots appear to have been used for such purposes. We need to better understand how previous generations used IGS to make sure young people today can also enjoy its social, mental, emotional and physical health benefits. This study quantitatively compared adult residents' memories of IGS use in their childhood and teenage years in two geographically and culturally distinct cities: Brisbane, Australia, and Sapporo, Japan. The results showed most respondents (>70%) remembered using IGS in the past, and preferred it over other green space because it was easily accessible. Most (>70%) recalled experiencing no problems (e.g. danger of injury) when using IGS, a contrast to recently increasing parental concern for children's safety. Such factors may limit present IGS use and prevent it from fulfilling the important role it played for previous generations' recreation.
History
Publication title
Children's GeographiesVolume
14Pagination
340-355ISSN
1473-3285Department/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
RoutledgePlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2015 Taylor & FrancisRepository Status
- Restricted