The Perceived Benefits of Municipal Parks (PBMP) Scale: A Utilitarian Scale for Practitioners and Researchers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2025-13075Keywords:
perceived benefits, municipal parks, scale development, measurementAbstract
This study developed and validated the Perceived Benefits of Municipal Parks (PBMP) Scale, a 7-item unidimensional measure of residents' perceptions of park benefits. Data collected from 309 residents across three neighborhoods in Norfolk, Virginia, underwent structural equation modeling and reliability testing. The PBMP Scale demonstrated strong psychometric properties and utility for both practitioners and researchers. Analyses revealed significant correlations between PBMP scores, and park use, access, and overall perception. Gender and user/non-user differences were found in PBMP scores, while no differences emerged across neighborhoods or racial groups. The scale provides a quantitative tool for assessing park benefits, evaluating equity, justifying investments, and informing evidence-based park management strategies. The PBMP Scale's ability to capture residents' perceptions of park benefits offers valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers. Future research could explore how PBMP scores relate to other quality of life indicators.
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