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Improved Urban Park Utilisation for Health Promotion

Author: 
Won-Ju KimㆍChang-Woo ShonㆍJung-Kyu JinㆍJin-Hae Chae

Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have increased the incidence of disease and ageing. Therefore, citizens are interested in health promotion. Park operation to improve health will be the theme for the development of an advanced model in the future. 
Urban parks have a significant effect on physical health, both directly and indirectly. Health can be enhanced through activities, including walking inside the park. The purpose of this study is to identify the role of urban parks in health promotion, and propose measures for revitalisation through demand analysis of Seoul residents and field survey.
The survey involved seven independent parks. The main user group was not considered due to uniform facilities. Approaches require maintenance and additional information facilities. 
In many cases, exercise facilities are tailored to adult males, and improvement in facilities based on the use of each age group should also be considered. Improvement and maintenance of drinking water facilities are urgently needed. Street lamps are essential during night-time movements, and the maintenance of street lamps should be monitored frequently. The focus is on improvements in physical accessibility and external links. Based on information facilities, access to the outside of the park and the use of traffic lines inside should be promoted. Often, sports centres or libraries exist around the park. Programmes associated with park activities are designed to benefit citizens engaged in outdoor health activities. Integrated guidelines suggest strategies for improved health of existing and new parks.