Exploring the Usage of School Green Spaces After-hours

Abstract

Population growth and the quest for more compact cities are putting pressure on public green spaces, yet these green spaces have been shown to be associated with human health and wellbeing. In this thesis I explore the significance of school green spaces (SGSs) in the periods outside of school hours in Auckland. The thesis investigates the multiple factors motivating and hindering the use of SGSs and in doing so, demonstrates that schools should be recognised as multipurpose spaces that can lessen pressures on other public green spaces in cities. The research is based upon field observations and semi-structured interviews conducted during January and February of 2015 on the sites of three Auckland primary schools. The participants in this research preferred SGSs as opposed to local parks and other public green spaces because they are considered more child-friendly. The findings suggest that while use is temporally constrained by school routines, out of hours they can be considered ‘third places’ that potentially benefit the community at large. The thesis conclusions suggest the importance of improving the accessibility and design of SGSs through initiatives at the local and national level, and greater dialogue between school Boards of Trustees and local government. SGSs, I contend, must be valued and sustained given the greater pressure on public green spaces for city residents in the future. Keywords: Green spaces, Schools, Third place, Wellbeing, Policies, Sustainable, Auckland