EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON THE DETERMINANTS OF URBAN PARKS

Abstract

Urban parks play an important role in enhancing the lifestyle of the community by providing functions which support the environment, safety, health and well-being. This paper will examine what the determining factors are for the development of urban parks, taking into onsideration the supply side and demand side factors and past conditions of urban parks. Japan prefecture level data between 2001 to 2014 will be applied to a panel data analysis. The results find that for the supply side factors, the share of gross production by the construction industry and the financial strength of the local government; and on the demand side factors, preference towards the environment, health and well-being, have impact on the urban park area per capita at a statistically significant level.

Keywords

• urban parks
• financial strength of local government
• preference
• share of gross production by construction industry.