Transforming urban landscapes: characteristics of urban green spaces for year-round green exercise in Germany

Abstract Urban green spaces are vital in promoting year-round green exercise, which offers physical and mental health benefits. This study examines the characteristics of urban green spaces that encourage engagement in year-round green exercise, even under adverse weather conditions. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 408 participants. It focused on their preferences for infrastructure and natural elements in urban green spaces, motivations for engaging in year-round green exercise, and their willingness to pay for optimized spaces. Results indicate that accessibility is the most critical infrastructure feature, while natural elements such as wooded areas, natural sounds, and alternating open and shaded spaces significantly enhance user engagement. On average, participants will pay € 10 monthly for enhanced urban green spaces that facilitate year-round green exercise. The findings underscore the importance of integrating diverse infrastructure and natural features to cater to various user needs, fostering active and resilient urban lifestyles. Future studies should investigate the interplay of these elements to further optimize urban green space design.