From Landscapes to Bonds: Exploring the Influencing Mechanism of Community Parks on Social Integration

Abstract

The rapid increase in the number of migrants in China has resulted in a growing concern for social integration issues. This study aims to explore the methods and approaches of social integration using urban community parks as a carrier. Using community parks in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, as a case study, we utilized structural equation modeling to construct the influence mechanism of community parks on social integration, which provides theoretical support and a reference for the design of social integration-oriented urban community parks. Our research indicates that the affective effects generated by migrants and local residents in community parks are crucial for social integration, including landscape perception, place attachment, and destination loyalty. Among them, landscape perception does not directly affect social integration, it can have a significant impact through the mediation of destination loyalty and place attachment. Destination loyalty has a direct and positive relationship with social integration, and place attachment also has a direct and significant positive effect on social integration. The study suggests that community park design should prioritize enhancing the emotional experience of migrants and local residents in three aspects: sensory stimulation, experience, and atmosphere creation, to promote social integration. Additionally, community managers and related policies should jointly promote future construction efforts.