Public Spaces as Community Anchors: The Relationship Between Use, Quality, and Social Cohesion

Abstract

Ever since their inception, public spaces have provided nearby residents with opportunities to interact and engage with others, shaping community life and fostering social connections. This study aimed to determine the factors by which public spaces serve as community anchors through the analysis of participants’ usage patterns, perceived quality of spaces, and sense of community. Through a community-based survey administered at local parks and trailheads, the research found that higher-quality, diverse, and accessible public spaces lead to longer visit durations, increased social interaction, and a stronger sense of community. For example, long-term and frequent users reported stronger social belonging, while individuals with access to multiple public space options reported spending more time overall in public spaces. On the other hand, individuals who worked more hours or those visiting with families showed a weaker sense of community, highlighting that public spaces can only go so far to aid an individual’s community interaction, as life circumstances will often take precedence. Overall, these results demonstrate that community strength and cohesion are closely tied to well-designed public spaces that can serve the diverse yet crucial needs of residents.