Quality and Accessibility from a Child-Friendly Perspective in Barcelona

What is it about?

Access to green spaces and playgrounds is a core indicator in the measurement of child-friendly cities and one of the necessary services provided by urban parks. This article focuses on preschool children with high demand and utilization rates in urban parks, and attempts to construct a rapid analysis and evaluation method that comprehensively considers the quality and accessibility of urban parks. Taking Barcelona, Spain’s child-friendly city as an example, this article established a comprehensive framework, including the optimization of the Quality Index of Parks for Youth (QUINPY), and accessibility model based on field research, open source maps, official statistics, etc. Combining the population density distribution of preschool children, specific improvement suggestions are proposed—based on different needs and pain points, selecting suitable innovative measures such as improving the urban traffic and walking environment, rationally increasing structural facilities, or encouraging time-sharing and three-dimensional expansion of the possibility of space use. Hope this article can provide references for the development and construction of child-friendly urban parks in China.

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Photo by Logan Armstrong on Unsplash

Photo by Logan Armstrong on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The article “Quality and Accessibility of Urban Parks from a Child‑Friendly Perspective: A Case Study of Preschool Children in Barcelona” by Zhang and Xing evaluates urban parks through a framework focused on preschoolers, making it significant in several ways: Enhances understanding of child‑friendly urban spaces It adapts and refines the Quality Index of Parks for Youth (QUINPY) and an accessibility model using real data (field research, maps, stats), specifically tailored to preschoolers’ needs in a dense urban environment. Integrates spatial and social equity considerations By layering QUINPY scores with population density data of young children, the study highlights disparities in park access and quality—an environmental justice lens that supports equitable urban planning . Uses Barcelona as a living lab As a globally recognized “child‑friendly city,” Barcelona provides a strong case study. The methods and insights can guide similar efforts in other cities, especially into-depth lessons for Chinese urban contexts . Provides actionable urban design recommendations The authors suggest practical improvements—enhancing walkability, traffic safety, park amenities, flexible scheduling, and vertical space use—that policymakers can apply immediately to boost usability for young children. Builds on established research traditions Linking to a broad range of prior studies on green space, youth wellbeing, and spatial analysis, it advances the conversation and contributes methods and data that push the field forward .