Presenters:
Sihui Lin
University of California, Los Angeles
In contemporary urban environments, public parks constitute critical social infrastructure, offering substantial physical and psychological benefits. Nevertheless, the distribution of these fundamental green spaces remains deeply uneven across Los Angeles County, reflecting a history of differential development and investment. Drawing from datasets on public green space locations and census demographic information, this research examines park accessibility in urban areas of Los Angeles County. Through three quantitative metrics: acreage, proximity, and park pressure, this study investigates how park availability intersects with community demographics and economic conditions. By examining spatial configurations and usage intensity using GIS tools, the study documents spatial disparities and areas experiencing high population pressure on existing facilities. Through this multi-dimensional framework, this research illuminates how historical development patterns have shaped current disparities in park allocation. This systematic assessment advances our understanding of environmental justice in urban green infrastructure, highlighting both constraints and opportunities in promoting equitable access to these essential community resources.
