Exploring the nexus between physical environments, resident preferences, and usage frequency of community centers: Evidence from two Korean neighborhoods in Seoul

Abstract

Community centers offer a public space for physical activities, attracting residents with diverse interests and abilities, and promoting social interaction and connection, which in turn enhances individuals' physical and mental fitness and fosters a sense of community. When exploring the correlation between community space accessibility and usage frequency, it is crucial to consider empirical evidence and resident preferences. Nevertheless, the role of physical environments in determining community center usage frequency, while also considering residents' inclination for effortless access, remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of resident preferences and satisfaction with the accessibility of community centers and physical environments on usage frequency, addressing a gap in previous research. Structural equation models were utilized to analyze a household drop-off survey consisting of 186 residents gathered from two neighborhoods in Korea. The results revealed that while the preference for easy access to community centers did not have a substantial effect on their usage frequency, satisfaction with easy access to such centers was positively linked to usage frequency. Furthermore, the perception of physical environments as being walkable and having a diverse range of amenities was associated with a higher frequency of community center usage. These findings have policy implications as they can help increase the usage frequency of community centers and enhance overall well-being in regenerated neighborhoods.