Entry 150: What Makes People Feel Safe in Parks?

Most of us probably don't spend much time thinking about park safety until we encounter a place that makes us uncomfortable.

Maybe it's a trail that feels isolated. Maybe the vegetation is so dense that you can't see around the next bend. Maybe the lighting is poor, maintenance has been neglected, or there simply aren't many other people around.

On the other hand, we've all experienced parks that just feel welcoming. The paths are easy to follow. Sightlines are open. The space is active but not crowded. Everything feels cared for.

So what exactly makes the difference?

A recent article published in the World Leisure Journal tackled that question by reviewing 44 studies conducted around the world between 2014 and 2024. Rather than focusing on actual crime rates, the researchers examined something equally important: how people perceive safety in park environments.

That distinction matters.

As the authors point out, perceived safety and actual safety are not always the same thing. A park can be statistically safe and still feel uncomfortable to visitors. Likewise, a park can feel safe even when risks exist. Those perceptions influence whether people visit, how long they stay, and what activities they choose to participate in.

In other words, if people don't feel safe, they often don't use the park.

One of the most interesting findings from the review is that perceptions of safety are shaped by a combination of personal factors, social factors, and physical environmental characteristics.

Some personal factors are difficult to control. Age, gender, previous experiences, familiarity with an area, and even stories people have heard from others can influence how safe they feel in a particular setting.

Social factors matter as well. The presence of other people often increases feelings of safety, especially when those individuals are viewed as non-threatening. Familiarity with a park and seeing others actively using the space can help create a sense of comfort and belonging.

But perhaps the most practical findings involve the physical design and management of parks.

Across many of the studies reviewed, several themes emerged repeatedly.

Lighting matters.

Visibility matters.

Maintenance matters.

And vegetation management matters.

One of the strongest patterns involved sightlines and visibility. Dense vegetation that blocks views often reduced perceptions of safety because people felt less able to see potential hazards or anticipate what might be ahead. Areas that provided clear views and easy navigation generally scored higher on perceived safety.

That doesn't mean people dislike natural settings. In fact, many studies found that visitors appreciate vegetation and natural features. The challenge is finding the balance between creating attractive, natural environments and maintaining visibility and accessibility.

Maintenance was another recurring theme. Parks that appeared well maintained, clean, and cared for were consistently associated with higher perceptions of safety. Graffiti, litter, vandalism, damaged facilities, and signs of neglect often had the opposite effect.

This finding probably isn't surprising. People tend to interpret maintenance as a signal that someone is paying attention to the space.

The review also highlighted the importance of lighting, particularly in parks that remain open during evening hours. Good lighting improves visibility and helps visitors feel more confident navigating the environment.

What struck me most about this research is how often perceptions of safety were linked to simple design and management decisions rather than expensive infrastructure projects.

Sometimes improving a park's safety perception may be as straightforward as trimming vegetation, improving maintenance practices, enhancing visibility, updating lighting, or encouraging greater use of the space.

As I read the article, I found myself thinking about parks, trails, and recreation areas here in Arkansas.

We are fortunate to have an incredible variety of outdoor spaces, from neighborhood parks and greenways to state parks, trail systems, and natural areas. Many of these spaces are beautiful, but they also face the same challenges identified in the research.

How do we preserve natural character while maintaining visibility?

How do we create spaces that feel welcoming to first-time visitors?

How do we balance ecological goals with visitor comfort and perceptions of safety?

These are not always easy questions, but they are important ones.

The article ultimately reinforces something many parks and recreation professionals already understand: creating successful parks is about more than building facilities. It's about creating environments where people feel comfortable spending time.

When people feel safe, they are more likely to walk, exercise, socialize, explore nature, and develop stronger connections to their communities.

And perhaps that's one of the most valuable reminders from this research.

The best parks aren't simply places people can use.

They're places people want to use.

Thank you for reading my blog post.

Want to watch my video review of the source article? https://youtu.be/PHQFhDAaQXM

Source Material: Wang Yiliu, Norhuzailin Hussain & Shureen Faris Abdul Shukor (2026). Safety perceptions related to park environments: a scoping review, World Leisure Journal, 68:2, 343-382, DOI: 10.1080/16078055.2025.2469778