Exploring the green space experiences of children living in high-density metropolitan areas in Melbourne, Australia during the COVID-19 period

Yunjin Wang; Cheryl Desha; Tanja Beer; Savindi Caldera; Kimberely Reis; Chamari Jayarathna

doi:10.1108/SASBE-10-2024-0429

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Exploring the green space experiences of children living in high-density metropolitan areas in Melbourne, Australia during the COVID-19 period

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Exploring the green space experiences of children living in high-density metropolitan areas in Melbourne, Australia during the COVID-19 period

Yunjin Wang, Cheryl Desha, Tanja Beer, Savindi Caldera, Kimberely Reis and Chamari Jayarathna

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol.Advanced access

27-Mar-2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-10-2024-0429

Appears in COVID-19 Research

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Abstract

children

urban green spaces

Melbourne

COVID-19

metropolitan

Purpose While there is some research on the effects of green spaces on children’s health, there is limited literature on shifts in children's experiences when green access is reduced. This study, therefore, explored shifts in children's experiences of UGS from pre-to post-pandemic circumstances in central Melbourne, Australia. Design/methodology/approach From 23 semi-structured interviews with experts in children's outdoor play, nature-based education and well-being, several key insights are drawn regarding perceived shifts in children's attitudes and behaviours, and perceived influences on these attitudes and behaviours. Findings The findings of this research established that acknowledging four shifting attitudes and behaviours that shape Melbourne children's interactions with HDMA–UGSs is important to support service providers and policymakers to ensure local HDMA–UGS infrastructure is optimised in design and location. Originality/value The originality of the findings lies in the first-hand and evidence-based guidelines provided to policymakers and service providers, aimed at improving current approaches to Melbourne's HDMA-UGS location and design, further cultivating urban settings that support the growth and well-being of children.

Details

Title: Exploring the green space experiences of children living in high-density metropolitan areas in Melbourne, Australia during the COVID-19 period
Authors: Yunjin Wang (Corresponding Author) - Griffith University
Cheryl Desha - Griffith University
Tanja Beer - Griffith University
Savindi Caldera - University of the Sunshine Coast
Kimberely Reis - Griffith University
Chamari Jayarathna - Griffith University
Publication details: Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol.Advanced access
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
DOI: 10.1108/SASBE-10-2024-0429
ISSN: 2046-6102
Copyright note: © Yunjin Wang, Cheryl Desha, Tanja Beer, Helessage Tharanga Savindi Caldera, Kimberley Reis and Chamari Jayarathna. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at Link to the terms of the CC BY 4.0 licence.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991216650902621
Output Type: Journal article

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