The design and management of urban parks: the process of delivering a public good

Urban parks are commonly conceptualised as a solution to a great diversity of ‘wicked’ urban problems, from social inclusion to climate change, and as a solution to both the mental health and biodiversity crises. As such, urban parks are formulated within urban development plans as part of the city branding. This relationship between parks and development is one, as this PhD study uncovers, is tempestuous and embroiled within theories of urban entrepreneurialism, place-based marketing, and creative cities. Whilst these theories are often used to explore and explain the development of places, such as urban parks, this research goes further, to question the impact upon the future management and maintenance of urban parks.

Doctoral student: Shelley Kotze
Supervisor: Kanchana N Ruwanpura