Understanding the context of neighborhood parks: a method for public space classification

Neighborhood parks are recognized as key urban public spaces that serve the social, economic, and environmental needs of adjacent neighborhoods. However, relevant studies primarily focus on the contribution of neighborhood parks as discrete spaces, instead of neighborhood parks as built spaces within an urban context. This research provides a better understanding of the inter-relationships between various urban form measures and an alternative way of constructing public space typology based on the surrounding urban form. The research employs factor and cluster analysis to develop a typology of 150 neighborhood park contexts in the City of Chicago, Illinois. 150-neighborhood park surroundings are classified into six categories based on an understanding of the dimensional structure of urban form elements; however, the Chicago Park District currently classifies them into one broad category. The study also provides guidelines for urban design and physical planning strategies for neighborhood park development.