A multi-dimensional classification and equity analysis of an urban park system: A novel methodology and case study application

• Introduces a novel, multi-dimensional procedure for classifying urban parks.
• Equity analysis compares park types to neighborhood social characteristics.
• Case study application reveals five park types in Phoenix, AZ.
• Four park types are correlated with particular neighborhood social contexts.
• Methods can reveal the composition and equity of other city park systems.

This study introduces a novel, multidimensional methodology for empirically classifying urban parks according to their physical, land cover, and built features. An equity analysis compares the resulting park types to neighborhood social characteristics, statistically and spatially evaluating who has access to which kind of park. The process can be customized to the built, geographic, and social conditions and public policy goals of other cities, but is here applied to Phoenix, Arizona. The case study application provides a proof of concept, revealing the composition and distribution of various park types and demonstrating the utility and feasibility of the classification procedure and equity analysis. Results reveal five distinct park types in Phoenix – Suburban Amenity Parks, Green Mini Parks, Native Desert Preserves, Green Neighborhood Parks, and Urban Core Parks – each exhibiting a unique mix of physical, spatial, land cover, and built characteristics. The equity analysis highlights priority areas for park improvements, potential equity concerns, and phenomena for future research. A discussion section evaluates the results in light of previous research and suggests how findings can inform sustainable and just urban park policy, planning, and management.