Measure Description

City Park Usage measures the percentage of respondents to the Edmontonians’ Perception Survey who report they have used a City park in the past 12 months. This measure looks at whether Edmontonians are using facilities, programs and spaces the City of Edmonton has to offer that provide physical, social and mental health benefits. A third-party vendor conducts the survey by telephone. The vendor also collects demographic data to assess whether participants reflect the population. Survey methodology and the demographic results are provided in the Appendix.

Measure Importance

Parks and green spaces are key to improving the overall livability and wellness of communities. They also help address some of the most complicated and expensive physical and mental health challenges arising from poor nutrition and obesity. They can contribute to social sustainability, pedestrian movement, gathering, socializing and quality of life. In the national framework for recreation (Pathways to Wellbeing, 2015):

  • 98 per cent of Canadians reported that parks and recreation benefit the community and are an essential service
  • 75 per cent indicated parks and recreation help children and youth lead a healthy lifestyle
  • 93 per cent indicated parks and recreation improve health
  • 89 per cent indicated parks and recreation boost social cohesion

Historical Data

City Park Usage

Data sources: Parks Users Survey 2013, Leger Edmontonians' PerceptionSurvey (2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017)

City Park Usage Breakdown - 2017

Data source: Leger Edmontonians' Perception Survey (2017)

Explanation of Performance

Eighty-nine percent of Edmontonians reported visiting and using Edmonton parks in 2017, compared to 90 percent in 2016. Edmontonians report their personal connection to the park system includes using the trails and paths for improving personal fitness, connecting with family and friends in green spaces, walking their dogs and connecting with the environment through activities such as bird watching. Neighbourhood Parks remain the most visited park system, but a notable increase in visits to District City Parks occurred in 2017, as shown in the City Park Usage Breakdown chart above.

The City has been involved in various park improvement activities, such as new trail and stair links, partner beautification activities and parking lot improvement. Completing these activities may improve access to parks which could increase usages.

Additional Useful Information

City Park Usage includes the following categories:

  • Any Park
  • Neighbourhood Park
  • River Valley Park
  • District City Park
  • Off-leash Park
  • Other
  • None

The graph above shows what types of parks Edmontonians are using. This information can help with planning for parks’ programs and services.

Useful Links

For information about the City's strategic plan, The Way Ahead: http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_vision_and_strategic_plan/the-way-ahead.aspx