Avaliação da percepção ambiental e uso dos parques Guarapiranga e Burle Marx por frequentadores, na cidade de São Paulo

Abstract

The urban green spaces have received deserved attention in the last years, mainly in Megametropolis like São Paulo. Studies about environmental perception of the population, in relation to urban green areas, may contribute to the management of these spaces, once the profile of the visitors is outlined as well as their expectations. The present study aims to evaluate the environmental perception and use of two urban parks by regulars, answering the following question: "What is the environmental perception and use of two urban parks of São Paulo?". The urban parks that were studied are located in the southern region of the city of São Paulo. Both parks are municipal, Guarapiranga Park and Burle Marx Park, being the first administered by the public power and the second has private administration. In the mentioned region there is lack of green areas that provide spaces of leisure to the population. To answer the question of this work, individual characteristics such as age, schooling, gender and others that compose the profile of the participants were raised. Also the activities developed in both parks were categorized, characterizing therefore the use that makes the population of these spaces. Data collection was performed through interviews following a structured script with open and closed questions. A total of 103 participants from the Guarapiranga Park and 103 Burle Marx Park visitors were interviewed, which allowed a qualitative analysis by means of analysis of interview content and observations recorded in the visas and quantitative, through statistical analysis using the software Statistical Package (SPSS) and Iramuteq of the data collected. The activities developed in both parks were categorized, characterizing therefore use that population makes of these spaces. Through the answers it was observed that the perception of the respondents in relation to space and the people present similarities and differences. The analysis of quantitative study were identified categories; A) socio-environmental function, b) responsibility for the care of the park, c) use of the basic infrastructure of the park and d) use of the park for leisure / health. In the Guarapiranga Park the profile of the regulars is younger and less educated and perceive the park suitable for recreation and sports practices. In the park Burle Marx the practice of contemplation of nature has greater importance. The analysis qualitative of interviews obtained indicated that its customers perceive it as a pleasant place providing physical and mental well-being, where it is possible to interact with other people and to practice leisure and recreation activities, besides characterizing the parks as a Family atmosphere. During this phase of study it was noticed that visitors, despite positive evaluation, have claims for improvements in the equipment of the park and rules of use space. The results indicate that the present study can contribute to the decision making of the park managers, attending to the needs and wishes of the population.