Redefining accessibility: uncovering physical, cultural, and emotional barriers to urban green space accessibility

Abstract Urban green spaces (UGS) are vital for mental, physical, and social well-being; however, access remains unequal, particularly for ethnic minorities. While UGS accessibility is mainly measured by proximity, this mixed methods study explores physical, cultural, and emotional barriers through the participation of 243 survey respondents, and over 50 focus group and participatory workshop participants. Findings show that ethnic minorities use parks less frequently due to fear of dogs, cleanliness concerns linked to cultural and religious practices, perceived hostility towards group gatherings, and inadequate safety. The study highlights the limitations of purely quantitative approaches in capturing nuanced, lived experiences. It proposes a new tiered framework for UGS accessibility that incorporates emotional dimensions alongside physical ones. Evidence-based recommendations are offered for urban planners and policymakers to support inclusive and demographically sensitive UGS design. These findings contribute to advancing green equity and are globally relevant, as similar access challenges affect diverse populations worldwide.