Urban green spaces and social cohesion in highly diverse neighbourhoods

The objective of this research is to explain the conditions of green space that support or hinder social cohesion of ethnically diverse residents in the highly neighbourhoods. The influence of the conditions of green space in terms of free and accessible public amenity, place for social interaction, relieve stress and mental fatigue was examined. The research used this identified condition of the green space on social cohesion domains of the residents. The survey was conducted in the two neighbourhoods in Feijenoord District, Rotterdam. These neighbourhoods were considered highly diverse, which comprise of old and new migrants from the prominent minor ethnic groups in Rotterdam. These ethnic migrants comprise of the people from Turkey, Morocco, Dutch Antilles/Aruba, and Suriname. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics through correlation analysis. The research provides empirical evidence that the conditions of the green space has direct effect on the social cohesion domains. The free and accessible public amenity condition of green space that were found to be significant to the social cohesion domains was safety. The place for social interaction condition such as the park design was found to be significant to social cohesion. Among the aspects of park design that significantly relates with social cohesion are shared activities, variation in activities and facilities, open park design encouraging active recreational activities, and availability of organized activities. In terms of the stress reliever, the physical activities also significantly relate with social cohesion domains. Among the aspects of physical activities such as doing sports/exercise in the park, taking a walk in the park, and socializing are the most common physical activities that significantly affects the social cohesion of the residents. Keywords: Urban Green Space, Social Cohesion, Social Exclusion