柳井 重人

Introduction Cities globally, including Tokyo, face challenges in managing small urban green spaces due to limited land, aging infrastructure, and rising maintenance costs. This study explores effective community engagement strategies for park revitalization as cities focus on improving existing green spaces rather than expanding them. Methods This research investigates community park revitalization in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, using a case study approach involving three parks. Data were collected through interviews with seven park management stakeholders and a survey of 176 residents. The study aimed to identify key factors for successful community participation, evaluate perceptions of engagement activities, and assess residents’ willingness to participate. Results Key factors for effective park revitalization include public buildings inside and outside the parks, sufficient greenery and open spaces, and local responsible persons. Despite these conditions, challenges such as high maintenance costs and low resident engagement persist. Among 176 respondents, 55 had participated in park events. Both genders noted increased use by parents and children and enhanced motivation to visit as significant impacts, with mean ratings of 4.36 and 4.37, respectively. Age differences were observed: respondents aged 18-39 emphasized increased use by parents and children (mean 4.75), while those aged 40-59 and over 60 valued motivation to visit (means 4.64 and 4.00). Long-term residents (over 10 years) reported lower impact ratings than newer residents, and larger families rated activities more positively than smaller or single-person households. Key issues included insufficient publicity (60%), restriction of normal use (20%), increased waste (14.5%), and noise (12.7%). Discussion The study highlights the need to address demographic differences in engagement preferences and barriers. Tailoring activities to diverse groups, including seniors and single-person households, can improve participation and effectiveness. These findings can guide localized park management strategies and foster more inclusive urban green space initiatives.

Children spend most of their time at school; thus, agricultural experiences (AEs) in school gardens through school organizations are important for children to remain connected to agriculture and nature. Although various studies confirm the tremendous benefits of school gardens, the lack of studies on the characteristics of school gardens and the factors that influence the effectiveness of their AEs is telling. In this study, a questionnaire was developed and sent to the school garden managers of the public elementary schools in an urban area in Japan to analyze the characteristics of school garden and their influencing factors through descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. The results identified the location effects on the type of school gardens: school gardens inside the school are better able to ensure the safety of children but have less connection with the community; school farms outside the school are better able to ensure a place for children to have AEs; schools with both a school garden and farm have a stronger connection to the community than those with only school gardens, however, safety is decreased. In addition, the lack of budget, teachers, supportive policies, and motivation among school garden managers in operating school gardens was noted. Therefore, ensuring government support, coordinating the time of school garden managers, and strengthening the connection and cooperation between elementary schools and local communities are primary issues for consideration in the future.