Teenage experiences of public green spaces in suburban Helsinki

Research into the values and meanings of urban green spaces has increased in recent years mainly, in order to determine how much and what kinds of green spaces should be provided for urban residents to ensure their well-being and maintain various urban green space values. This article examines adolescents' uses of, values for and relationships to local green spaces. A study was carried out in Eastern Helsinki, Finland, to test social value mapping among younger respondents. The other aim was to combine social value mapping with a document analysis to explore the valuations of local green spaces in depth. Place and affordance approaches were used for this purpose. The results revealed that the teenagers used and valued green spaces differently from adults, and that there were also differences between the genders. The adolescents most appreciated the beauty of the environment, tranquillity and opportunities for activity. The green space values were often associated with the places that enabled social contacts and activities. The methodological comparison revealed that social value mapping is more complete tool when maps are combined with qualitative data. The examination of local knowledge revealed place meanings and identities and situational uses of the green environment.