Framework for Enhancing Social Interaction Through Improved Access to Recreational Parks in Residential Neighborhoods in the Saudi Context: Case Study of Dammam Metropolitan Area

1. Introduction

Numerous literature studies reveal a lack of consensus over the definition of social interaction. The subsequent delineates some fundamental principles of social interaction. Social interaction defines as the community actions undertaken by neighbors, such as borrowing or lending equipment, informal visits, and soliciting help during emergencies [1]. It contends that local social connections are vital for the social sustainability of urban communities, since they bolster residents' feeling of community and safety in metropolitan environments [2]. In addition, social interaction is defined as the occurrence of spoken or non-verbal exchanges between two or more people [3]. Moreover, social interaction refers to the ongoing informal discourse between at least two individuals, enabling access to social and economic resources and support for a resident [4]. Based on the preceding literature studies on social interaction, the existing literature studies regarding social interaction reveal a lack of agreement about its definition, with several interpretations and viewpoints concerning the fundamental concept of social sustainability. Consequently, this research study examines face-to-face social interactions among people, including all social activities, including conversation.

Several research investigations consistently affirm that social interaction requires a suitable environment for its manifestation. Consequently, extensive research has shown the impact of physical settings on social interactions [5]. This may be achieved by creating situations and opportunities that promote various types of social interactions, from passive to more active engagement [6]. Furthermore, the physical environment has both direct and indirect effects on social interaction [5]. Consequently, space may either promote or deter the length of users' stay in an area, hence affecting the likelihood of their interactions. The architectural features of the constructed environment might influence people’s perceptions of a certain region [7]. The perceived characteristics, including safety, attractiveness, and privacy, consequently, affect a person’s behavior and their spatial choices. Thus, certain traits have an indirect influence on interpersonal inter-actions. It impacts the psychological accessibility of recreational spaces inside the residential area, hence directly affecting social interaction. Consequently, improving Park safety, appeal, cleanliness, proximity, and the diversity of activities for all societal groups may reduce the psychological barriers to accessibility which leads to increase the number of visitors and build vibrant places.

Based on several literatures, neighborhood social issues are numerous and vary from place to place in literature; some examples include, a lack of cohesion (Social exclusion and isolation) [8-9-10-11], limited access to services [8-9-10], and a lack of open space [9-12]. In addition, issues with safety and crime [9-10]. Based on the preceding literature studies, the problem of this study stands on two main points: a research gap in the Saudi context regarding social sustainability issues and a lack of studies on socially sustainable neighborhoods. Firstly, the social interaction is identified as a key determinant of social sustainability, but there is a lack of research on socially sustainable neighborhoods in the Saudi context. Secondly, the existing literature mainly focuses on physical accessibility and park availability, neglecting psychological access to recreational parks, such as feelings of safety, cultural relevance, inclusion, and emotional comfort. The following Figure 1 summarizes the main pillars of the study research gap.

Therefore, in order the preceding the research gap and build upon the literature, this dissertation aims to develop a framework for improving social interaction through enhanced access to recreational parks in residential neighborhoods in order to improve the quality of life for Saudi citizens and residents, as well as the development of the country as a desirable place to live, are among the main objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The study is organized into the following sections. Section 2 reviews relevant literature on social interaction concepts and factors influencing the social interaction in the recreational parks, section 3 describes the methodology of data collection and analysis. Section 4 aims to represent the result, section 5 aims to discuss the key findings of the study. The study concludes with Section 6 that aims to summarize and suggest some recommendations.

2. Literature Review

Several socio-economic factors have been identified as significantly influencing social interactions within neighborhoods [13-16]. Prioritizing and implementing interaction design strategies in particular settings is essential to strengthening social relationships in urban environments. Additionally, these areas may be used to successfully address individual sociocultural dynamics [17]. Furthermore, physical open space is essential for promoting social contact among neighborhood people. Neighborhood parks, for instance, are essential to the growth and enhancement of cities as well as the promotion of social and cultural relations. They serve as venues for social and cultural exchange in addition to being locations where people may enjoy the outdoors [5]. Meanwhile, local parks provide opportunities for social encounters that might strengthen social bonds, according to [18]. In the presence of people, open spaces (public and semi-public locations) tend to draw others, who congregate and engage with one another while trying to find a spot in the throng, thereby starting new activities [19]. The acts that determine the quality of an open space area include observation, perception, and communication [19]. According to Pooleh and Vali [20], these spaces improve social connections and meet residents' psychological needs [21].

The main idea about how physical attributes affect social interaction is that they create opportunities and appropriate settings for different kinds and levels of interaction, from simple passive contacts to deeper social bonds [6,21]. In addition to the direct effects of the physical environment on interactions, it also has indirect effects by either facilitating or hindering users' time spent in a space [22-26]. A communal open space's constituents include a variety of elements, including dedicated sitting places, gardens, horse trails, pedestrian walkways, children's play areas, and green space [19]. Both the quantity and quality of social interactions between people may be impacted by the built environment in two different ways. First off, certain physical elements, like doors, windows, and walls, have the direct ability to affect how people move and transit inside a place, creating chances for meetings and interactions. Second, people's perceptions of a place may also be influenced by the built environment's physical features [7]. These perceived qualities—like privacy, safety, and beautythen affect people's behavior and decisions about whether and how to use space. Furthermore, Ewing and Handy [27] distinguished three categories of attributes—physical aspects, design attributes, and user perception that might impact user behavior in urban planning (Refer to Figure 2).

The preceding literature studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between open space and social interaction among residents. As a result, this research is concentrated on the neighborhood recreational parks as it is considered a great location for neighborhood residents to engage in face-to-face social interaction [20]. Moreover, urban parks significantly enhance the well-being and quality of life of residents [28]. Research indicates that access to parks influences the psychological well-being and contentment of citizens [28].

Traditionally, park accessibility is described as proximity to parks, suggesting that park locations should minimize travel distance [29]. In addition to ongoing spatial and cost difficulties, the proximity-based approach does not consistently predict authentic human behavior, such as park use. Various factors related to parks, beyond distance, such as size, location, facilities, the surrounding environment, and various attitudes of the park influence park use [30-32].

A widely accepted definition of accessibility in transportation research is 'the ease of accessing any land-use activity from a location using a certain transport system [33]. Some writers define it more broadly as the 'potential for opportunities for interaction [34] or 'a measure of an individual's freedom to participate in activities within the environment' [35]. In public health studies, psychological accessibility is notably correlated with the use of community sports facilities [36]. Thus, accessibility includes the perceptions of the individual regarding the locations or related activities. Based on the preceding, this study regards recreational park accessibility as a holistic approach for assessing the possibilities for recreational park use. Consequently, this study argues that, unlike traditional research that analyzes park accessibility and usability separately, both concepts should be integrated into a unified conceptual framework. The physical and psychological dimensions of accessibility should be examined as interconnected elements. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) asserts that the relationship between the physical environment and actual action is mediated by psychological factors [37-38]. Psychological accessibility pertains to people’s perceptions and evaluations of their environmental contexts [39]. Similarly, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) asserts that the interaction of attitudes and subjective norms affects behavioral intentions, ultimately leading to intentional behavior. Psychological accessibility and intention may act as an internal motivating process for attitudes, functioning as a psychological variable and creating a state of readiness for behavior and experience. Several research studies demonstrate a substantial correlation between the perception of park proximity or availability and park use [30-40-42]. Factors that enhance park utilization comprise the positive perception of park quality, which include safety [43-45], amenities [46-47] and opportunities for social interaction [42-44-48]. Furthermore, several studies suggest that perceptions of neighborhood safety concerning crime and traffic, together with street connectivity and amenities, affect the frequency of park use [44-49-50].

The relationship between physical environments and park use is shaped by environmental perception. According to Park [51], psychological accessibility is divided into three main classifications: perceived distance, perception of the park quality and perception of neighborhood environment [51]. In addition, according to Park [51], the primary elements influencing perceived distance to the park are the perception of accessibility and the park's availability [51]. The second category pertains to the perception of park quality, which encompasses safety, attractiveness, cleanliness, maintenance, amenities, activities, and the social environment [51]. Although the perceived park quality includes safety, attractiveness, upkeep, facilities, and social environment, it may also integrate other factors depending on the objectives or setting of the study. Finally, the perception of the neighborhood environment pertains to features such as safety from crime and traffic, beauty and cleanliness, walkability, and the availability of destinations (e.g., shops, restaurants, grocery stores, public amenities). Perception varies according to individual and socio-economic characteristics, which may affect the forecasting of park use. Individuals face unique constraints and have varying perceptions of space. Therefore, if a park does not satisfy the preferences of various user groups, its use would decline. The sociodemographic parameters relevant to park use include age group [52-53], gender [54-55-56] and socioeconomic status [56-57].

To sum up, conventional research on park accessibility reliant on physical accessibility demonstrates considerable limitations, as physical accessibility alone does not predict park usage. Therefore, physical accessibility must be supplemented with evaluations of perceived accessibility (Psychological Accessibility). Consequently, improving Park safety, appeal, cleanliness, proximity, and the diversity of activities for all societal groups may reduce the psychological barriers to accessibility which leads to increase the number of visitors and build vibrant places. Moreover, the findings of this study may aid policymakers and park designers in enhancing park accessibility through alternative tactics guided by psychological considerations.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Study Area

The selected case study for the research is the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). DMA is situated in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, around 360 kilometers from Riyadh, the nation's capital. The DMA encompasses Dammam, Khobar, and Dhahran. Dammam serves as the capital of the Eastern Province and houses the majority of regional administrative institutions; Khobar functions as the commercial hub of the province; and Dhahran is recognized as a center for modern technology and science, particularly in the petroleum sector, as it is home to the headquarters of the Arab American Oil Company (ARAMCO) [58-60].As the third-largest metropolitan area in the country, following Riyadh and Jeddah, DMA is one of seven major urban centers that collectively accommodate half of Saudi Arabia’s 33 million residents [61]. Dammam serves as the capital of the Eastern Province and accommodates the majority of regional administrative bodies. Khobar city serves as the economic hub of the province, whereas Dhahran is a center for contemporary technology and research, notably in the petroleum industry, housing the headquarters of the Arab American Oil Company [62-63]. The below Figure 3 illustrates the geographic location of DMA. DMA has selected as a case study of this paper because of its status as a growing city, characterized by urbanization that fosters fast economic expansion, mostly driven by the service and industrial sectors of the economy. Consequently, it is one of the attractive metropolitan areas in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Figure 3. Map of Dammam Metropolitan Area Saudi Arabia [64].

Figure 3. Map of Dammam Metropolitan Area Saudi Arabia [64].

In recent decades, DMA has had significant population expansion, with the population more than doubling. The population of DMA has risen markedly from 365,000 residents in 1974 to 1.75 million in 2004, and now exceeds 1.8 million, residing within an estimated total area of 380,000 hectares [59-65]. With the proliferation of urbanization globally, urban areas were recognized as the principal catalysts of human advancement, leading to the emergence of cities where people congregate to realize their aspirations, ambitions, and necessities. Thus, the Saudi Arabian government is committed to achieving sustainable urban growth and prosperity. This commitment is seen in the objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Thus, two primary objectives of Vision 2030 are prominently emphasized: fostering a thriving economy and society [66]. The Saudi government has initiated "the quality-of-life program," requiring Saudi cities to aim for top rankings as desirable living locations, utilizing a comprehensive framework that assesses multiple quality-of-life categories and dimensions [67]. The rationale for selecting DMA as a case study is its status as a growing city, which, due to urbanization, is positioned for significant economic expansion primarily driven by the service and industrial sectors. In addition, by focusing on social sustainability, the research contributes to the overall objectives of Vision 2030 and supports the government's efforts towards sustainable urban development and prosperity. Thus, based on the preceding, DMA serves as an effective case study.

3.2. Data Collection and Analysis Methods

The proposed methodology framework initiates with preparation phase, which includes social interaction overview and collection of various factors affecting the social interaction in the recreational parks from secondary data collection (literature studies). Literature studies mainly depend on pertinent materials, including books, journals, articles, websites, conference papers, and ongoing initiatives. Then, the research will use primary data acquired from observational behavioural mapping and end user questionnaire surveys. Park [51] asserts that psychological park accessibility may be examined quantitatively via surveys and qualitatively through interviews and questionnaires. In addition to surveys and interviews, many approaches for evaluating psychological park accessibility are recorded in the literature. Gehl and Svarre [68] advocated direct observation as the primary methodology in public space research. This methodology includes many approaches such as observational behavioral mapping, shadowing, and photographic analysis [52]. Although it serves as an indirect evaluation tool for psychological traits, its efficacy may be enhanced when combined with other methodologies. Wendel et al. [56] suggested that combining interviews with systematic behavioral observation might provide a more thorough comprehension of park use, including demographic characteristics. Additionally, as suggested by McCormack et al. [31], a mixed-method approach may combine quantitative surveys with qualitative observations or interviews, resulting in a more thorough study and generating new insights into the social and physical settings of park use. Consequently, based on the preceding, research has selected both techniques (Observational behavioural mapping-end user questionnaire survey). Firstly, behavioral observation mapping is a qualitative technique used to understand people’s behaviors within certain geographical situations [69]. The observation and behavioral mapping include the systematic gathering of data on 'where, how, and what is transpiring' inside space [70]. Numerous scholars have defined behavioural mapping. Alsumsam [69] describes it as an objective observational method for evaluating actual spatial use. Thus, this study recorded the following characteristics: user demographics (children, males, females). Furthermore, ascertain the type of activity taking place, the precise days and times of the week the location is used, and the dominant weather conditions throughout the activity. In summary, qualitative data analysis is used to compare each case studies with each other and extract the most frequent activities in the recreational parks and identify the barriers and motivations behind access to the recreational parks in the residential neighborhood in DMA. Secondly, utilizing a questionnaire survey method, neighborhood residents will be inquired about demographics, use patterns of the local recreational parks, satisfaction and perception with physical characteristics of the recreational parks, safety, environmental quality, and overall experience. The questionnaire survey is regarded as an effective instrument for systematically gathering data on individuals' perspectives, beliefs, and attitudes [71]. Furthermore, the data collecting method used for a large sample group is a self-completion questionnaire, noted for its efficiency in cost, time, and energy [72]. The purpose of using a questionnaire is to infer from a sample to a population to derive conclusions on certain features, attitudes, or behaviors [73]. Determining an adequate sample size is crucial when conducting a questionnaire survey. The sample size for this research was determined using Richard Geiger equation.

$$n={\displaystyle \frac{{\left(\frac{Z}{d}\right)}^2\times {\left(p\right)}^2}{1+\frac{1}{N}\left[\right(\frac{z}{{\left(p\right)}^2}-1]}}$$

(1)

where n is referring to the sample size, Z is the confidence level, p is the coefficient of variation of the population, d is referring to the margin of error and N is the population of the selected area. Consequently, the equation has been utilized to calculate the proper sample size according to DMA population. This research utilizes cross-tabulation to examine the relationship between types of physical attributes and their impacts influencing access to recreational parks and their effectiveness. Cross-tabulation in research is a method used to analyze the relationship between two or more categorical variables by displaying their interactions in a table format and the technique has been used in several academic journals [74-75]. In addition, the research employs descriptive statistical analysis of demographic and associated data to identify the features of certain groups and elucidate the differences and similarities among all replies. Descriptive statistics analysis is a method that consolidates, summarizes, condenses, and comprehends data sets effectively [76]. The following Figure 4 represents the full sequence of the study methodology.

4. Results

This section is divided into two main parts. The first part examines the behavior of end users in the recreational parks of the two selected case studies in each city of DMA to discover and understand the incentives and obstacles influencing the accessibility of the user visits. The observations were placed in November 2024 - February 2025, a period characterized by mild weather in DMA. The observations were conducted on two different occasions: once during a weekday and once on a weekend, at three distinct times: in the morning from 6:00 to 8:00 AM on weekdays and from 8:00 to 11:30 AM on weekends. The reason behind selection of two various times refer to the social life of the Saudi context. While, in the afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, and in the evening from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. The number of individuals using the location was assessed during a 15 to 20-minute observation session on both weekdays and weekends and recorded in the checklists. During the observation periods, the temperatures were comfortable with a low of 18°C and high up to 35°C. The weather was cold and warm on some days save for a limited number of days characterized by hot and dry weather. The observation spots were selected carefully to provide optimal visibility. The case studies are examined and presented. Initially, to count the individuals using the observed community locations (Recreational parks) are recorded; subsequently, the behaviors and activities of users are documented, including their categorization as male, female, or children (under 18 years old).

The second part is concentrated on the end user’s questionnaire survey where it aims to provide an analysis of the administered questionnaire survey. The survey sought to get insights into end users, satisfaction, perceptions and experiences about recreational parks in residential areas in DMA. Descriptive and cross-tabulation analyses were performed on the questionnaire variables. Furthermore, statistical tests were used to ascertain any dependence among the categorical variables associated with each posed issue.

The following paragraphs represent the main results of the observational behavioural mapping and end user questionnaire survey.

Part 1: Observational Behavioural Mapping Results:

Firstly, the selection criteria for recreational parks for conducting the observational behavioural mapping have been established by convenience, particularly accessibility. The accessibility of the recreational park and the documentation of observational mapping through photography were key factors for the selection of the recreational parks. Moreover, the perceived importance within the hierarchy of recreational parks in the Saudi context. The location of the selected recreational parks corresponds with the condition of neighborhood recreational parks in Saudi Arabia, which range from 1000 m² to 10,000 m². According to Yin [77], the selected case studies may include either single-case or multiple-case approaches. This study used two case studies (Neighborhood Recreational Parks) in each city of the DMA (Dammam-Khobar-Dhahran) to improve the dependability of results drawn from the observational behavioral mapping approach. The following Figure 5 represents the location of each selected recreational park in DMA.

Case Study 1: Khobar City

• Areej Park:

Areej Park is situated in Khobar City, specifically in the Al Ulaya neighborhood, with an estimated area of 3,576 m² and is encircled by single family housing and apartment buildings. Figure 6 illustrates that Areej Park offers shaded seating areas suitable for relaxation as well as formal and casual social meetings. Moreover, a substantial football field serves as an attraction for the youngsters in the residential area. Additionally, there exists a pathway around the park for exercise such as walking and running, accompanied by extensive green areas for visitors. The park provides parking spaces which enhance the physical accessibility of the park. Additionally, the park has a designated play area for youngsters. The playground space is very restricted and fails to accommodate diverse age groups.

The observational mapping process has shown that the park experiences insufficient periodic maintenance regarding the jogging track and illumination. The jogging track around the park is irregular, resulting in falls and other sad incidents. Moreover, the park experiences complete darkness at night, thus compromising the sense of security for its visitors. Consequently, the significance of lighting in parks, particularly during the nighttime, directly influences people’s perceptions of safety and security which may influence the psychological accessibility to the park. Moreover, the park exhibits poor cleanliness, as seen in the preceding Figure 6, which presents a danger of epidemic and disease transmission. This is regarded as one of the factors that may affect psychological accessibility and consequently it restricts the number of visitors to the recreational park. The observational mapping indicates that there were no visitors on weekdays or weekends, except for 7 children who visited the park to play football on the football field (See Figure 8). As a result, the visitor numbers for Areej Park underscore the need for regular maintenance for the recreational park, including lighting, the football field, seating places, the play area, and the jogging route. The observational assessment of Areej Park highlighted the impact of regular maintenance on the psychological park accessibility.

• Nada Park:

Nada Park is located in Khobar, particularly in Al Hizam Al Thahabi neighborhood, and is mainly surrounded by single-family housing. The park's estimated size is around 4,085 m². The following Figure 7 shows physical characteristics of the indicated park. The park offers visible permeability throughout the complete park area, thus not obscuring the visual sight for the visitors. In addition, the park offers transparency with extremely high degrees of visibility by clearly presenting the choices and activities of the leisure facilities for the local people in the residential neighborhood. The park provides parking spaces which enhance the physical accessibility of the park. Moreover, the park stands out for having a walking and jogging path as well as green areas, which accentuates the surroundings and increases their appeal to visitors.

Although the several advantages of the Nada Park, including a football field, shaded seating areas, jogging route, and play area, observational behavioral mapping revealed a deficiency of visitors on both weekdays and weekends. As seen in Figure 8. It was observed that 11 children attended the park to play football on the field on the weekdays. Similarly, the observational mapping, it has found out that there is a very limited number of visitors in the recreational park on the weekends. As presented in the following Figure 8, it was observed that there were 10 children in the afternoon and 15 men in the evening time. According to the observational mapping, the most frequent activity was playing football by children and even sometimes by men.

In summary, the case studies of Khobar, the comparison between the two case studies in Khobar City has revealed the pivotal role of the location (Spatial Distribution) of the parks in the residential neighborhoods as an important factor that may influence the number of visitors. As discussed in the previous paragraphs, Nada Park suffers from the limited visitors or sometimes its absence despite the availability of most of the physical attributes that provide comfort to the users, for example, a path for walking or jogging, various and comprehensive play areas, areas designated for rest and relaxation, green areas that add beauty to the park and others. The interpretation behind these differences in the number of visitors is that residents of residential villas usually have yards in their private homes for practicing sports and other things, and even for children, they may have a playroom in the house or an outdoor yard. Therefore, the statistics of visitors to Al Nada Park indicated a limited number of visitors. On the other hand, the residents who live in the apartments may not have space for jogging, comfortable relaxation area or playground area for children. Consequently, the result indicated the impact of the spatial distribution of the parks as one of the factors that may undermine psychological access to recreational parks. Moreover, the comparison between the case studies emphasized the importance of the periodic maintenance of the park as one of the factors that may influence access to recreational facilities. As represented previously, the park is facing issues with uneven jogging tracks and lighting, leading to falls and accidents. The pitch black at night can negatively impact visitors' sense of security. Therefore, the importance of proper lighting, particularly in the evening, is crucial as it impacts directly on the park's overall safety and security. Hence it will directly affect the perception of the neighborhood residents and influence directly the psychological accessibility to the recreational park. Based on the preceding discussions, observational mapping and qualitative analysis suggests two factors that may undermine the access to the recreational parks, they are as follows: (1) location of the recreational parks and (2) the periodic maintenance of the recreational parks.

Figure 8. Number of visitors at Khobar recreational Parks during weekdays and weekends (source: authors).

Figure 8. Number of visitors at Khobar recreational Parks during weekdays and weekends (source: authors).

Case Study 2: Dharan City

• Sadeem Park:

Sadeem Park is situated in the Qusour area of Dhahran. The park's estimated size is 3,658.29 m². The park is situated in a mostly residential area characterized by single family housing. Visual inspection of the park has shown that it offers several essential physical attributes (See Figure 10). The park offers a walking and jogging track surrounded by green spaces, shaded seating areas for relaxation, picnics, and social gatherings. The park also provides parking spaces for easy access. In addition, the park provides a play area, which consists of several recreational equipment and covers various age groups in order to attract the children along with their families.

The case of Sadeem park is like Nada Park as both parks are surrounded with mainly residential villas and the two parks provide essential physical attributes for the visitors such as a play area, shaded sitting area for relaxation and social gatherings, jogging track and green space which give beauty to the place. However, both parks suffer from a lack of visitors. Observational mapping has revealed that there is no big difference between the number of visitors on the weekdays and weekends. As shown in Figure 12, the number of visitors in the weekdays is 1 individual man only in the morning. Likewise, the main purpose of visiting the park in the morning is to practice jogging. While the observational behavioural mapping reveals that 7 children and 5 women who visited the recreational park in the afternoon. At evening time, based on the observational mapping, the number of visitors is 8, 2 and 6 of children, men and women respectively who visit the park (Refer to Figure 12). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, observational mapping reveals that the number of visitors at weekends was only 7 children. Based on the comparison between the statistics of the Sadeem park visitors on weekdays and weekends, it is well noted that the number of visitors in the weekdays is more than during the weekends which is considered contrary to the context of Saudi society. Hence, the reason behind that is the weather was hot and sunny during the conduction of the observational mapping in Sadeem Park at the weekends. Based on the observational mapping, Sadeem park is primarily visited by men and women during afternoon and evening hours for relaxation, running, walking, family gatherings, and child supervision during their playing. While children usually enjoy playing in the playground, swinging and riding bicycles.

In consequence of the qualitative analysis of the observational mapping in Sadeem Park, the visiting statistics of the park have suggested that the climatic environment of the parks in DMA is considered one of the main factors that may influence the access to recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods.

• Ajyal Park-1

Ajyal Park-1 is located in Dhahran particularly in Ajyal residential neighborhoods with an estimated area of 7,944 ‏ m2. The park is surrounded by single family housing and apartments buildings. The location of the park is characterized by it directly in front of the apartment buildings which may enhance the physical accessibility to the recreational park hence it will affect positively the psychological accessibility and facilitate frequent utilization of the recreational facilities due to proximity to the park. The park offers a walking and jogging track surrounded by green spaces, shaded seating areas for relaxation, picnics, and social gatherings. The park also provides parking spaces for easy access. In addition, Ajyal park-01 offers a range of amenities for its users, including several pieces of recreational equipment which covers different age groups. It also provides a fence for safety and security specifically for children. On the other hand, the park's fence does not obstacle the visual which provides visual permeability, showcasing the recreational parks and activities for neighborhood residents which may encourage neighborhood residents to use the recreational park. Below Figure 11 shows the activities of the visitors and essential amenities of the park.

Observational mapping has shown no substantial changes in visitor numbers between weekdays and weekends. The findings indicated restricted use of recreational parks in the early hours. As seen in the below Figure 12, the number of visitors on weekdays, consists only of five men in the early morning. The primary objective of visiting the recreational park in the morning is to practice jogging exercises. The observational mapping indicated that 34 children and 14 women have visited the recreational park in the afternoon. While, in the evening, the observed number of visitors to the park comprises 33 individuals, including 18 children, 5 males, and 10 women.Conversely, observational mapping indicates that the visitation count on weekends closely resembles that of weekdays. It was noted that there were 30 children, 2 males, and 7 women in the afternoon. In the evening, it was noted that there were 15 children and 9 women. While there were no visitors observed in the morning (See Figure 12). Similarly, the reason behind the lack of visitors to the parks in the morning, specifically at the weekend, is that people usually take a rest and sleep.

The observational mapping reveals that the primary motivation for visiting the park in the morning is to walk or jog before going to work. During the afternoon and evening, the majority of people use it for leisure, jogging, family reunions, and kid supervision. Children like engaging in activities inside the playground, which have slides, swings, and more apparatuses. Additionally, it was noted that several visitors of the children are using bicycles. The park has covered shaded seating spaces that enable families to directly monitor their children while they play. The observational mapping has revealed that several of the families that live in apartments opposite the park their visiting and practicing various activities in the park. Thus, this indicates that the proximity of the parks to the residential buildings is considered an advantage that may improve the access to the recreational facilities in the residential neighborhoods.

To sum up, the comparison of the two case studies in Dhahran emphasized that the playground area in the park directly impacts the number of children’s visitors and subsequently influences the visiting of families. Moreover, the observational mapping of the frequent activities by children, men and women in the recreational parks indicated the highly importance of the physical attributes of the recreational parks such as, shaded seating spaces, jogging routes and parking spaces. in addition to the toilets for both male and female which facilitate and encourage visitors to spend more time in the park. The comparison between Ajyal park-1 and Sadeem park indicated the impact of the spatial distribution of the parks as one of the factors that may undermine the access to the recreational parks.

Case Study 3: Dammam City

• Raka Square Park

Raka Square Park is situated in Dammam, specifically in the North Rakah Neighborhood, with an approximate size of 8,151 m². The park is encircled by single family housing and apartment building. Observational mapping indicates that the park provides an expansive green space, but the playground area is inadequate, lacking the capacity to accommodate diverse age groups. Hence, the play area is devoid of various recreational apparatus, including seesaws, swings, slides, jungle gyms, sandboxes, spring riders, trapeze rings, playhouses, mazes, and others. On the other hand, there is a large football field which may increase the influx of young people and children in the park to play football with relatives and friends. Additionally, the park has a walking and jogging route encircled by verdant areas that enhances its aesthetic appeal and may motivate local people to engage in running activities inside the park. Additionally, the park offers shade seating places for relaxation, picnics, and social events among family and friends. The park offers parking facilities that may enhance accessibility to the area. Figure 13 illustrates the diverse activities of users and the physical attributes of the recreational park in Dammam City.

Observational mapping has shown that there is no significant disparity in visitor numbers between weekdays and weekends (See Figure 15). Firstly, on weekdays, the number of visitors is limited to 6 men in the early morning. The primary objective of visiting the recreational park in the morning is to engage in jogging exercises. On the other hand, the observational mapping indicated that 8 children, 14 men, and 7 women visited the recreational park in the afternoon. While, in the evening, the park received 10 children, 22 men, and 7 women as users. Likewise, on the weekends as seen in Figure 15, the number of visitors in the morning was significantly restricted. According to the observations, there were 2 children, 1 man, and 1 woman. On the other hand, it was noted that there were 22 children, 8 males, and 12 women in the afternoon. While, in the evening, it was observed that there were 8 children, 5 men, and 2 women. The visitation figures revealed that the park has insufficient attendance on both weekdays and weekends, necessitating an investigation into the primary factors that deter local people from using the recreational park.

Observational mapping indicates that men and women mostly frequent the park in the afternoon and evening for different purposes, including relaxing, strolling, informal meetings, child supervision, and other activities. Moreover, based on the observational mapping, it has been noticed that several men have used the area for playing football in the football field. The observational mapping indicates that the predominant activities for children at Raka Square Park include using the playground and engaging in football. The quantity of children is much lower in comparison to other recreational parks, such as Ajyal-01 park. The restricted number of children, which may subsequently impact family visits, is attributable to the inadequate recreational equipment in the play zone (See Figure 13). The play zone is very restricted and fails to accommodate various age groups. Thus, it underscores the significance of the playground area as a crucial element in attracting children and their families. The play area in the recreational parks should be varied and cater to various age groups to engage this demographic (children and their families) inside the residential areas. Moreover, Raka Square Park is deficient in shaded seating areas for families and children to unwind or engage in social events, since the majority resort to using mats and other objects. Therefore, the absence of seating locations in the recreational parks may restrict both formal and informal social interactions among individuals.

• Ash Shulah Park

Ash Shulah Park is located in Dammam particularly in Ash Shulah Neighborhood with an estimated area of 1821m² and surrounded by single-family housing and apartment building. The park offers visible permeability throughout the complete park area, thus not obscuring the visual sight for the visitors. In addition, the park offers transparency with extremely high degrees of visibility by clearly presenting the choices and activities of the leisure facilities for the local people in the residential neighborhood. Moreover, the park provides parking spaces which enhance the physical accessibility of the park. Furthermore, the park is provided by specific entrance designated for handicapped people which provides social justice for all society members. In addition, it improves the physical accessibility to the recreational parks, which may influence positively psychological accessibility and increase the frequent use of the park. What distinguishes the park is that the existence of a wide path for walking and jogging track, along with vast green spaces, which adds beauty to the place and makes it attraction for those who practice these types of sports. Moreover, the availability of playground areas for children covering different age groups, which may increase the possibility of visiting the recreational facility with children with families. Furthermore, the park provides food & drinks Kiosks for the visitors particularly in the cold weather. The below Figure 14 illustrates the activities of the people and shows the physical characteristics of Ash Shulah Park.

The observational mapping revealed no significant difference between the number of visitors to the park during weekdays and weekends. As illustrated in the following Figure 20, during weekdays, morning visits to the park are limited to men only, which is quite similar to the preceding discussed case studies. Hence, it was observed 21 men who were visited the park in the morning during the weekdays. As the previously discussed case studies, the main purpose of their visit in the morning is to practice jogging before going to work. While in the afternoon and evening time, visitors, including children, men and women, flock to spend a pleasant time with their families. In the afternoon, it was observed that 63 children, 29 men and 34 women in the park. While, in the evening, the observational mapping reveals that 16, 12 and 2 of children, men and women respectively.

On the other hand, through observational mapping, it has been revealed that the number of visitors is quite similar to the number of visitors during the weekdays. As represented in the below Figure 15, it was observed that 54 children, 9 men and 10 women in the afternoon. While, in the evening time, it was observed that 34, 11 and 6 of children, men and women respectively. While very limited visitors were observed in the morning. Similarly, the reason behind the lack of visitors to recreational facilities in the morning, specifically at the weekend, is that people usually take advantage of the weekends to sleep.

Based on the observational mapping, the main purpose of visiting the park in the morning during the weekdays is to engage in walking or jogging before heading to work. Consequently, the existence of the walking and jogging tracks in the parks is considered one of the attractive points to this category of people which motivates them to visit the recreational park. While the observational mapping reveals that in the afternoon and evening times, most men and women visit the park for various purposes such as, relaxation, running and walking practice, family or friends' gatherings to chat, child supervision and other various activities. While observational mapping has revealed that the most frequent activities by children in the park are playing in the playground area the slides and swings, riding bicycles and playing football. The statistics of the visitors emphasized the importance of the various physical attributes of the parks such as comprehensive play area which covers different age groups, shaded seating areas, vast green space, football field, jogging track and others as they may attract different categories of visitors. Consequently, the perception of the status of the recreational parks will influence psychologically the access to the park in the residential neighborhood which may affect positively the frequent utilization of the recreational parks.

The analysis of visitation data for the two Recreational Parks in Dammam indicates that the playground area significantly influences the attraction of local youngsters and their families. According to observational mapping, Ash Shulah Park has a playground equipped with diverse recreational apparatus suitable for various age groups. Conversely, Raka Square Park has a very restricted playground space, which has impacted the amount of kid visits. Consequently, the analysis of visitation statistics from the case studies in Dammam indicates that the playground area in the recreational park directly influences the number of child visitors, which subsequently affects family attendance, as children in the Saudi context typically do not visit parks alone but accompanied by their families for supervision purposes. The play area in parks is a fundamental element in attracting children and their families, alongside other physical features such as restrooms, shaded seating, jogging tracks, football fields, green spaces, and food and beverage kiosks.

The analysis of visitation data for the two Recreational Parks in Dammam indicates that the playground area significantly influences the attraction of local youngsters and their families. According to observational mapping, Ash Shulah Park has a playground equipped with diverse recreational apparatus suitable for various age groups. Conversely, Raka Square Park has a very restricted playground space, which has impacted the amount of kid visits. Consequently, the analysis of visitation statistics from the case studies in Dammam indicates that the playground area in the recreational park directly influences the number of child visitors, which subsequently affects family attendance, as children in the Saudi context typically do not visit parks alone but accompanied by their families for supervision purposes. The play area in parks is a fundamental element in attracting children and their families, alongside other physical features such as restrooms, shaded seating, jogging tracks, football fields, green spaces, and food and beverage kiosks.

The size of parks selected in the study varies greatly. For example, among the two recreational parks selected in Dammam City, the estimated size of Raka Square Park is 8151 m², but Ash Shulah Park has an area of only 1821 m² and simultaneously, it is well observed that the number of visitors of Alshula park is significantly more than what has been observed in Raka Square Park. This indicates the importance of the recreational park amenities such as the play area, shaded seating area and jogging routes regardless of the size of the garden.

In summary, the following. Table 1 represents the number of recreational parks visitors in the three case studies (Khobar-Dhahran-Dammam) utilizing a colored gradient. The following table highlighted the highest and lowest number of visitors in selected case studies in DMA on the weekdays and weekend in the three various timing hours (Morning-afternoon-evening).

To sum up, based on the preceding paragraphs, the study concentrates on factors that may affect access to recreational facilities which will impact the use of the park by the neighborhood residents. Consequently, it will influence social and community engagement among neighborhood residents. Based on extensive literature studies, it has been revealed that traditional studies on park accessibility based only on physical access exhibit significant shortcomings, since physical accessibility alone fails to forecast park use. Consequently, physical accessibility must be complemented with assessments of perceived accessibility (Psychological Accessibility). Thus, enhancing park safety, attractiveness, cleanliness, accessibility, maintenance and the variety of activities for all demographic groups may reduce psychological barriers/obstacles to accessibility which lead to an increase in the number of visitors and develop vibrant recreational parks. Based on the comparison between the three case studies (Khobar-Dhahran-Dammam), the following Figure 16 represents the major factors that influence access to recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods:

Part 2: End User Questionnaire Survey Results

By using several literature review studies carried out by author, an online questionnaire was distributed to multiple colleagues in February 2025, and it received 256 complete responses with an average completion time of 3 minutes each. The survey utilized Question Pro for secure online submissions, and participants had the option to respond in Arabic or English. Prior to answering, participants were briefed about the survey's objectives.

The first twelve questions collected general demographic data. The first question asked about the participants’ locality, showing over 50% lived in Khobar, while nearly 24% were from Dammam. The second question about nationality revealed around 72% were Saudi citizens, important for understanding recreational preferences. The third question on gender indicated 67% were male, and about 33% female. Most participants (46%) were aged 18 to 24, while 29% were under 18. The fifth question addressed housing types, with 46% living in employer-provided units, and the sixth question revealed 75% were single. Regarding education, 35% had not completed their studies, and 73% were unemployed. For employed respondents, 55% worked in their neighborhoods, while 57% earned less than 5000 SAR monthly. Lastly, about 52% had relatives nearby. The following Table 2 represents the details of the demographic data of the participants in the questionnaire survey.

The physical factors were measured using a Likert scale, and the Anova single factor test showed a p value less than 0. 05, indicating a statistically significant result among the physical factors as in Table 3 below.

It was important to summarize the highest and lowest ranked physical factors that might affect how often people use recreational parks. Consequently, Figure 22 shows the complete breakdown analysis of perception of the participants regarding the physical attributes of the recreational parks in DMA. The analysis revealed that respondents expressed high satisfaction with amenities like sufficient lighting, pedestrian routes, secure play areas for children, and the proximity of the recreational parks, as illustrated by the red borders in Figure 17 above. More than 30% of respondents expressed high satisfaction. On the other hand, the analysis revealed that no facilities other than “design of seats for enhancing social inclusion” showed overall rating less than 3. Subsequent investigation revealed that respondents exhibited relatively low satisfaction with the facilities such as toilets for both genders, availability of snacks and various safety measures within recreational parks.

It was important to summarize the highest and lowest ranked physical factors that might influence the frequency of using recreational parks. Consequently, based on the preceding Figure 17, the following Table 4 illustrates the key physical factors that need to be sustained and need to be improved to convince people to visit parks more often. Also, this table would help in identifying key elements needed for the framework.

Social sustainability characteristics were also measured on a Likert scale, with a significant result. Many participants (about 32%) had neutral opinions about their overall experience with neighborhood parks, suggesting they may be more open to persuasion. Moreover, the analysis showed that most people visit parks for exercise, family outings, and relaxation in nature. It recommends focusing on amenities that support these activities. To boost park visits, it’s important to improve certain key aspects. Therefore, this study also identified key physical factors that need to be maintained or improved to encourage and improve park visits. Many respondents were dissatisfied with toilet facilities for different genders and the availability of snacks, as well as safety measures, suggesting that enhancements in these areas could attract more visitors. Additionally, over 68% of people were unhappy with the environmental design, indicating that improvements in noise levels, aesthetics, and cleanliness could enhance overall user experience. More respondents (44%) were dissatisfied with the parks than satisfied (24%), and the majority (53%) preferred meeting friends in other places rather than parks. Lastly, many people either never use these parks (20%) or visit only once or twice a year (30%).

The investigation in preceding paragraphs revealed that the majority of individuals use parks for exercise, family gatherings, and to appreciate nature for relaxation. Consequently, more emphasis should be directed towards facilities associated with the preceding qualities, since the individuals’ perceptions substantially influence their psychological accessibility to recreational parks. As an example, when people see parks as safe, welcoming, and inclusive, they feel more comfortable and are more likely to visit. On the other hand, adverse impressions, such as insecurity, congestion, or insufficient upkeep, reduce psychological accessibility and deter visitors. The following Figure 18 illustrates the primary characteristics discovered that may influence access to recreational parks and, therefore, their frequent use in DMA.

Figure 18. Identified main factors from the survey analysis (source: authors).

Figure 18. Identified main factors from the survey analysis (source: authors).

5. Discussion

People's perceptions about recreational parks are directly influenced by their perceptions of physical, psychological, climatic factors such as cleanliness, noise, jogging paths, etc. As an example, people may visit for exercise more often if the environment is clean and there are designated jogging paths, while family outings may be enhanced by physical features such as green spaces. Additionally, the availability of amenities like benches, picnic areas, and playgrounds can induce psychological attraction to families and individuals seeking relaxation or recreation. Accessibility, including proximity to these parks from residential neighborhoods, adequate lighting, and other safety measures, significantly influences the frequency of visits to these recreational parks by enhancing psychological access. The analysis of the collected data revealed that the majority of respondents adopted a neutral position in their responses. From a psychological standpoint, it is significant to observe that individuals who maintain a neutral stance are typically more open to persuasion than those who express dissatisfaction.

The following Figure 19 demonstrates a framework development process that integrates data from two distinct sources: an end user survey and Observational behavioural mapping, to identify shared attributes that influence the perception of recreational parks usage in DMA. The figure illustrates that the datasets that were collected are linked by the attributes that were garnered from both methodologies, which in turn improves the overall perception of recreational parks. The figure also illustrates that these two methodologies are consistent with the advancement of shared attributes. The end user survey collects user-centric data regarding perception, whereas observational mapping concentrates on physical and environmental attributes, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive comprehension of space utilization. Finally, the figure's structure suggests that the reasons for visiting outdoor spaces are directly influenced by perceptions (e.g., sanitation, pollution, availability of jogging paths). For example, a clean environment and designated jogging pathways may motivate individuals to visit for exercise, while family excursions may be influenced by amenities such as green spaces and recreational areas.

Figure 19. Shared attributes among end user survey and observational mapping (source: authors).

Figure 19. Shared attributes among end user survey and observational mapping (source: authors).

This summary analysis of the end user questionnaire survey aims to convey the key results and insights derived from the survey questionnaire assessing recreational parks in the area. This research seeks to provide a succinct summary of the replies, highlight notable themes, and present actionable ideas for formulating a framework to boost social interaction via improved access to recreational parks in residential neighborhoods in the Saudi context particularly in DMA. According to the synthesis of extensive literature studies, end-user questionnaire responses, and observational behavioral mapping, the research identified several factors that might impact the accessibility and social engagement of parks, such as the demographics of neighborhood residents, physical park characteristics, and social sustainability elements. Based on the results from the literature review, questionnaire surveys and observational behavioural mapping, a framework was developed indicating the sequential flow of the process. Figure 20 signifies the conclusive framework of the research designed to improve access to recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods in DMA. The framework may help the stakeholders understand the key elements of demographic, physical and social characteristics associated with recreational parks. Besides identifying key elements, the framework outlines opportunities for each characteristic that can help address gaps and enhance the usage of recreational parks. By understanding key information about identified gaps and critical factors, it will be possible to address psychological barriers to visiting recreational parks. As found in user survey analysis, individuals who are neutral may be more susceptible to persuasion due to their absence of strong biases. This makes them more open to considering different perspectives and potentially changing their opinions. As a result, neutral individuals could be targeted in advertising campaigns for the recreational parks.

In addition to psychological persuasion, the framework proposes enhancing access to recreational facilities by leveraging key physical factors identified through observational mapping and user surveys. The framework also outlines the major factors within the structure of a diagram. By integrating both physical and psychological attributes aimed at specific demographic groups, the frequency of park usage may be increased, thus enhancing overall social sustainability in the DMA.

Figure 20. Proposed framework (source: authors).

Figure 20. Proposed framework (source: authors).

6. Conclusions

This comprehensive literature analysis indicated that to enhance urban park use, planners and decision makers must consider the perceptual aspects of park accessibility (Psychological Accessibility). Hence, based on extensive literature studies and observational behavioural mapping, the study has revealed that five main factors that may influence the access to recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods in DMA. They are as follows, (1) periodic maintenance of recreational park, (2) proximity to recreational park, (3) physical attributes of the recreational park, (4) environment attributes of recreational park and (5) location of recreational park. The end user questionnaire survey analysis presents the findings from a survey questionnaire on recreational parks in DMA, aiming to provide a concise overview, highlight trends, and offer actionable insights for improving social interaction through improved access to the recreational parks. Consequently, based on the preceding findings of the research study, the following are the key findings and implications from the developed framework to achieve the objectives of the research study:

• User-Centered Park Design: There is a need for future research focused on how different demographics interact with the parks. Further studies could explore tailored design solutions that cater specifically to the targeted focus groups for increasing park utilization.
• Social and Psychological Barriers: The psychological factors affecting park use warrant deeper investigation. Future studies could explore how privacy concerns or perceived safety influence the decision to use public parks and suggest ways to mitigate these concerns through design.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Research could focus on the long-term impact of park upgrades, particularly in terms of social sustainability. How do improvements in the recreational park facilities (such as safety, seating, and toilets) influence the long-term social cohesion of a neighborhood?
• Diverse Age Groups and Cultural Sensitivity: The research could be expanded to examine the preferences of non-Saudis and other age groups in relation to park use. It might be useful to understand cultural differences in recreational habits and park accessibility preferences.
• Urban Planning and Policy: Future studies could explore the role of urban planning in promoting equitable access to recreational parks, ensuring that improvements reach diverse neighborhood groups, and how policymakers can integrate these findings into future development projects.