Abstract/Summary

The cultural ecosystem services of urban parks contribute to the urban population’s urban experience and well-being. Urban greenspaces such as urban parks are under extreme pressure from rapid urbanization and changing climate condition. During the pandemic understanding on the importance of cultural ecosystem services was lacking. Little evidence is known about how people use and value the urban parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, urban park users were interviewed and observed to address the aim of this research which is to understand what cultural ecosystem services people value in urban parks during the pandemic and what spatial features were important in their experience. Using semi-structured on-site interviews and activity-based observation of users and activities in two Metro Manila urban parks, several bundles of cultural ecosystem services emerge. Aesthetics, recreation and spiritual values were the most identified cultural ecosystem service by urban park users. The urban parks during the pandemic served as a place for refuge and connecting with nature. The green and grey dimensions of the park provided multiple values for people encompassing a range of cultural ecosystem services. The methods that were used in this research allowed for a simple and comprehensive assessment of the value of the urban parks. This provided an alternative way to help inform park administrators and planners in understanding and managing important urban green spaces and their cultural ecosystem service benefits.