Vancouver, May 26th, 2023
In a recent interview with Branchlines, the publication of the UBC Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Keun Park discussed his research on the accessibility and design of urban parks. Dr. Park’s work aims to ensure that these valuable public spaces can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
Drawing on his expertise in urban forestry and data analysis, Dr. Park has been utilizing drone technology to gather information about the usage of urban parks. By analyzing the drone data, he is able to create a demographic map of park users and activities, shedding light on potential barriers to park access.
“Many neighbourhood parks in suburban areas are underused,” said Dr. Park during the interview. “This often comes down to issues related to park location and design, as well as their connectivity to surrounding neighbourhood spaces.”
Through his research, Dr. Park has been able to identify patterns and trends in park usage that can inform future park design and management strategies. By considering demographic information and activity preferences, urban planners and policymakers can make informed decisions to create more inclusive and accessible parks.
Dr. Park’s use of drone technology to collect data on park usage in a more efficient and comprehensive manner. The high-resolution imagery obtained from the drones provides detailed information about park visitors and their activities, helping to paint a holistic picture of park usage. His work has the potential to contribute significantly to the creation of inclusive and accessible urban parks, benefiting communities and fostering a sense of belonging for all residents.
The interview section with Dr. Keunhyun Park can be found in the latest edition of Branchlines, the biannual publication of the UBC Faculty of Forestry’s Development and Alumni Engagement Office.