Evaluating Urban Greenspace Satisfaction and BMI Outcomes in Dhaka's Dhanmondi Lake Park: A Step Toward Achieving SDG 11.7

Abstract

Greenspaces within the built environment are paramount for people’s health and a decent experience in city environments. This research assesses visitor satisfaction and health status in Dhanmondi Lake Park, Dhaka, Bangladesh, following the visionary goal of SDG 11.7 on safe, accessible, and inclusive public spaces. The study hypothesizes a link between frequent park visits and a healthier Body Mass Index (BMI). A mixed-methods approach included a survey of 400 park visitors to assess their satisfaction across seven key dimensions: location, accessibility, environment, facilities, recreation, safety, and maintenance, comprising 29 sub-variables. Participants’ height and weight data were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to investigate the potential relationship between visit frequency and BMI. Additionally, five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and two Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with the park management, followed by a SWOT analysis to evaluate the park’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This research established high levels of satisfaction with recreation (4.3), showing that the park meets recreational and aesthetic needs. Participants pointed to maintenance (3.78) and safety (3.9) as areas of concern. Frequent visits showed a strong positive relationship with healthy BMI (r = 0.934, p = 0.006), suggesting the health benefits of regular engagement. Dhanmondi Lake Park provides the community with an opportunity to engage in physical, recreational, and social activities, contributing to the achievement of SDG 11.7. Findings indicate that well-maintained urban greenspaces not only enhance visitor satisfaction but also contribute to healthier BMI, offering effective measures for urban planners and policymakers to promote public health and achieve SDG 11.7 in rapidly growing cities.