Percepción social del Parque La Rotonda en Portoviejo, Ecuador J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16665012 ISSN 3091-1583 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Social perception of La Rotonda Park in Portoviejo, Ecuador  Oscar A. Muñoz oscar.munoz@portoparques.gob.ec Received: 12 April 2025 / Accepted: 24 June 2025 / Published online: 31 July 2025 © The Author(s) 2025 Oscar A. Muñoz Abstract This study examined the social perception of La Rotonda Park in Portoviejo, Ecuador, which is recognized as a symbol of resilience following the 2016 earthquake. Opened in 2017, the park has played a vital role in urban and community revitalization. The objective was to assess how the community perceives inclusion, safety, facility qual- ity, identity, and social cohesion associated with the park. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys from 250 users with 15 semi-structured interviews conducted with key informants. Results revealed highly pos- itive perceptions of identity and belonging (M = 4.38), so- cial inclusion (M = 4.25), and facility quality (M = 4.12). In contrast, safety scored lower (M = 3.65), particularly among older adults and infrequent visitors. Interviews highlighted the park’s symbolic value as an intergenerational gathering space and emotional recovery site following a disaster, but also pointed to challenges in nighttime safety and mainte- nance. The study concludes that La Rotonda Park serves as a model for inclusive and resilient urban planning, whose long-term value depends on sustained and participatory management. Keywords social perception, urban resilience, public spac- es, social cohesion, post-disaster planning. Resumen Este estudio analizó la percepción social del Parque La Rotonda en Portoviejo, Ecuador, considerado un símbolo de resiliencia tras el terremoto de 2016. Inau- gurado en 2017, el parque ha sido clave en la revitalización del tejido urbano y comunitario. El objetivo de la investiga- ción fue evaluar cómo la comunidad percibe la inclusión, seguridad, calidad de las instalaciones, identidad y cohe- sión social vinculadas al parque. Se aplicó una metodología mixta: encuestas a 250 usuarios y entrevistas semiestructu- radas a 15 informantes clave. Los resultados muestran una valoración altamente positiva de la identidad y pertenencia (M=4.38), inclusión social (M=4.25) y calidad de instala- ciones (M=4.12), mientras que la seguridad obtuvo la ca- lificación más baja (M=3.65), especialmente entre adultos mayores y visitantes esporádicos. Las entrevistas resaltan el valor simbólico del parque como espacio de encuentro intergeneracional y recuperación emocional post-desastre, aunque también señalan desafíos en seguridad nocturna y mantenimiento. Se concluye que el Parque La Rotonda es un referente de planificación urbana inclusiva y resiliente, cuya sostenibilidad depende de una gestión activa y participativa. Palabras clave percepción social, resiliencia urbana, espa- cios públicos, cohesión social, planificación post-desastre. How to cite Muñoz, O. A. (2025). Social perception of La Rotonda Park in Portoviejo, Ecuador. Journal of Advances in Education, Sciences and Humanities, 3(2), 9-15. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16665012 Portoparques EP, Portoviejo, Ecuador.

J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 10 Introduction La Rotonda Park, situated in the city of Portoviejo, Ecua- dor, has emerged as a beacon of urban resilience and com- munity revitalization. Inaugurated on September 29, 2017, under the administration of Mayor Agustín Casanova, this space represents not only a step forward in infrastructure and quality of life but also a symbol of reconstruction following the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Ecua- dor on April 16, 2016 (BBC News Mundo, 2016). This event, one of the most destructive in the country’s recent history, left 676 dead, more than 6,000 injured, and around 80,000 displaced, severely affecting cities like Portoviejo (World Bank, 2021). In this context, the park’s construction was consolidated as an effort to reclaim urban space and heal collective wounds by creating an inclusive, multifunctional, and resilient en- vironment. Spanning 15.2 hectares, La Rotonda integrates green areas, sports fields, artificial lagoons, a climbing wall, interactive fountains, and a water screen, serving as a spa- ce for social gathering, recreation, and community building (Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism, 2024). The social perception of public spaces is essential to un- derstanding their impact on post-disaster urban life. Pérez (2004) emphasizes that the appropriation of these spaces strengthens the sense of belonging and social cohesion. Li- kewise, studies such as those by Mejía and Gómez (2015) highlight the contribution of urban parks to physical and mental well-being. In Portoviejo, La Rotonda has played a fundamental role in reactivating the social fabric, promoting integration, and local identity. Literature supports the importance of public space as a structural component in the development of inclusive cities. Páramo (2010) notes that these spaces facilitate social inte- raction, coexistence, and the formation of a collective iden- tity. Fonseca (2014) notes that access and use enable recrea- tional and cultural activities, although these may be limited by security issues or socioeconomic inequality. In this sense, the appropriation of space can be both an opportunity for community development and a source of tension, depending on how it is managed. From a regional perspective, ECLAC (Segovia & Jordán, 2005) emphasizes that public spaces must be inclusive, ac- cessible, and participatory to contribute to social cohesion and alleviate urban poverty. The notion of urban resilience complements this approach, understood as the capacity of cities to resist, adapt, and recover from natural disasters whi- le maintaining their functionality (Nietzen, 2018; Tumini et al., 2017). In particular, parks and squares are gaining im- portance as areas of refuge, psychological restoration, and community reconstruction (Villagra & Felsenhardt, 2015). Thus, La Rotonda Park represents a paradigmatic case of how urban planning, citizen participation, and resilient de- sign can converge to rebuild the social fabric and improve quality of life after a disaster. This study aimed to analyze the social perception of La Rotonda Park and its influence on the social and cultural dynamics of Portoviejo. It addresses questions such as: How do citizens perceive the park’s inclu- sion and safety? and What impact has it had on community cohesion and identity? Utilizing a mixed-use approach, we aim to explore how public spaces can contribute to sustaina- ble development and enhanced quality of life in post-crisis urban contexts (World Bank, 2021). Methodology A mixed-approach, descriptive-explanatory study was conducted to analyze the social perception of La Rotonda Park in Portoviejo, Ecuador. The combination of quantitative and qualitative methods allowed us to capture both general trends and in-depth aspects related to users’ experiences and assessments. The target population consisted of Portoviejo residents aged 18 and above. Non-probability convenience sampling was used, taking into account participants’ accessibility du- ring their visit to the park. A total of 250 surveys were conducted at La Rotonda Park from March to April 2024, covering morning, afternoon, and evening hours, from Monday to Sunday. Respondents were selected directly while using the facilities. Basic sociodemo- graphic information was recorded: age, sex, frequency of vi- sit, main reason for use, and perceptions of various aspects of the park. A semi-structured interviews were conducted with muni- cipal authorities, local merchants, frequent athletes, older adults, and young users to obtain complementary qualitative insights. Two instruments were used for data collection. The first was a structured survey, consisting of a self-administered questionnaire validated through a pilot test with 20 partici- pants. This questionnaire included closed-ended questions and Likert-type scales (ranging from 1 to 5) focused on to- pics such as inclusion, safety, quality of facilities, local iden- tity, and social cohesion. The second instrument consisted of semi-structured interviews with key informants, aimed at ex- ploring their perceptions of the park’s impact on community life and identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 11 Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v. 26, which included descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, and stan- dard deviations) and inferential tests (Student’s t-test, ANO- VA) based on sociodemographic variables. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analy- sis, identifying emerging categories. The research was conducted under fundamental ethical principles that ensure the respect and protection of partici- pants. Informed consent was obtained prior to administering surveys and conducting interviews, clearly explaining the study’s objectives, the voluntary nature of participation, and the confidentiality of the information collected. Furthermo- re, the anonymity of participants and the exclusive use of data for academic purposes were guaranteed. The research was designed to avoid any physical, psychological, or social harm, promoting respect for the dignity, diversity, and opi- nions of the community involved. Results and discussion The sample presented a balanced distribution in terms of the gender of the respondents, with a slight majority of women (52.8%) compared to men (47.2%). This balanced representation allows the results to be interpreted as reflec- ting diverse perceptions based on gender, without significant bias. In terms of age, the predominant groups were young adults (18–29 years: 38%) and middle-aged adults (30–49 years: 40.8%), who together represented approximately 79% of the sample. The lower participation of people over 50 years of age (21.2% in total) may be related to the dynamics of the park, which primarily attracts young people and adults of active working age through its recreational, sports, and so- cial activities. This age distribution pattern is consistent with other studies on the use of urban public spaces, where young adults tend to be the main users of urban parks for recreation, sports, or social gatherings (Rivera et al., 2022). Regarding frequency of visits, it was highlighted that 62% of respondents visit the park two or more times per week, while only 16.8% do so sporadically. This reflects a high le- vel of ownership and regular use of the park by the local community. Around a quarter of respondents (23.2%) visited daily, highlighting the central role this space plays in citi- zens’ daily routines, whether as a place of transit, recreation, physical activity, or socialization. The frequency of visits su- ggests that the park has successfully established itself as an active hub for community interaction, a crucial element in the processes of social cohesion and urban identity construc- tion (Guan & Wang, 2023). The sociodemographic characterization (Table 1) supports the subsequent interpretation of the perceptions collected on inclusion, security, identity, and cohesion, as the main active users are young people and frequent adults who build their daily experiences in public spaces through recurrent use. Table 1. Sociodemographic characteristics of the respon- dents (n=250) Variable Category Frequency (n) Percentage (%) Sex Male 118 47.2 Female 132 52.8 Age 18-29 years old 95 38.0 30-49 years old 102 40.8 50-64 years 38 15.2 > 65 years 15 6.0 Visit frequency Diary 58 23.2 2-3 times/week 97 38.8 1 time/week 53 21.2 Sporadic 42 16.8 The results from the Likert scales generally showed a po- sitive perception among users regarding the evaluated di- mensions of La Rotonda Park. All dimensions analyzed had averages above 4, except for safety, indicating that the park satisfactorily fulfills its role as an integrative public space. Table 2 presents the averages and levels of dispersion co- rresponding to each dimension evaluated in relation to the social perception of La Rotonda Park. The results showed that users gave the highest rating to the dimension related to identity and sense of belonging, followed by social inclu- sion and the quality of the facilities, which supports a favo- rable perception regarding the emotional connection to the place, its accessibility, and physical condition. In contrast, the safety dimension was the least valued, suggesting a la- tent concern among visitors. Overall, the data highlight the park’s positive aspects, but also reveal areas that could be improved. Table 2. Average perception in dimensions evaluated (Likert scale 1-5) Dimension Media (M) Standard deviation (SD) Social inclusion 4.25 0.62 Security 3.65 0.88 Quality of facilities 4.12 0.71 Identity and belonging 4.38 0.59 Social cohesion 4.05 0.65

J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 12 Identity and belonging were the most highly valued di- mension (M=4.38; SD=0.59), reinforcing the hypothesis that the park functions as a symbol of urban reconstruction and resilience after the 2016 earthquake. This high score reflects the emotional attachment that the citizens of Portoviejo have developed with this space, perceiving it not only as recre- ational infrastructure, but as an integral part of their collec- tive identity (Escalera-Reyes, 2020). Social inclusion also received a high rating (M = 4.25; SD = 0.62), suggesting that the park is viewed as an open and accessible space for diverse social, age, and cultural groups (Qi et al., 2024). This result is supported by the interviewees’ belief that the park serves as an “intergenerational meeting point,” fostering interaction and coexistence among diverse segments of the population —a key element in building so- cial cohesion. Regarding the quality of the facilities (M = 4.12, SD = 0.71), the assessment was positive, although with greater variability (SD = 0.71). Qualitative observations recognized the facilities’ overall good condition, but noted the need for ongoing maintenance to preserve the quality of the street fur- niture and green areas. The social cohesion dimension (M = 4.05, SD = 0.65) also showed a positive perception. This indicator reflected that users recognize the park’s contribution to building social net- works, strengthening community ties, and fostering a sense of belonging, which is especially relevant in post-disaster contexts, where public spaces play a crucial role in the re- covery of the social fabric (Qi et al., 2024; Lai et al., 2024). On the other hand, the safety dimension was the most affected, with the lowest score (M = 3.65; SD = 0.88) and the greatest dispersion in responses. Although the percep- tion is not generally negative, the higher standard deviation suggests that there are significant differences among users based on variables such as hours of use or sociodemographic characteristics. Some participants expressed concerns about nighttime safety and insufficient lighting in certain areas of the park. Analyzing the results as a whole, it can be stated that La Rotonda Park satisfactorily fulfills its social function. How- ever, safety and maintenance issues need to be addressed to maximize its benefits as a resilient and cohesive public space. Table 3 shows the relationship between the frequency of visits to La Rotonda Park and the perception of security by users. Table 3. Comparison of security perception according to frequency of visit Visit frequency Average perception of security OF Diary 3.85 0.76 2-3 times/week 3.68 0.80 1 time/week 3.52 0.95 Sporadic 3.28 1.02 The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) re- vealed statistically significant differences in perceived safety among groups based on the frequency of visits to La Ro- tonda Park (F = 3.42, p = 0.018). Specifically, it was ob- served that people who visit more regularly tend to report higher perceptions of safety compared to those who visit less frequently. The level of exposure and familiarity with the space directly influences how users perceive its safety. In descriptive terms, it was observed that users who vis- it the park daily have the highest perception of safety (M = 3.85, SD = 0.76). In contrast, those who visit sporadi- cally report the lowest perception (M = 3.28, SD = 1.02). This pattern suggests a possible “habituation” or “famil- iarity” effect: the higher the frequency of use, the great- er the confidence and the lower the perception of risk, possibly due to the knowledge of the environment, rec- ognition of other regular users, and sense of control over potential problematic situations (Karegar et al., 2020). On the other hand, those who visit the park occasionally may experience greater uncertainty or a perception of in- security, especially at night or in less-traveled areas. This phenomenon has been documented in previous studies on perceived security in public spaces, where familiarity and a sense of belonging act as modulating factors for the fear of crime (Sadra & Rezvani, 2019; Reid et al., 2020). The higher standard deviation observed in sporad- ic visitors (SD = 1.02) also suggests greater hetero- geneity in the experiences of this group, possibly in- fluenced by variability in visiting times, lower spatial awareness, and individual differences in risk perception. From an urban management perspective, these re- sults highlight the importance of designing targeted in- terventions that enhance both objective and perceived safety, particularly during less crowded times and areas, to promote sustained park use by the entire community (Vidal-Domper et al., 2025). Strategies such as improved lighting, a deterrent police presence, or promoting orga- nized nighttime activities can help narrow these gaps in perceived safety between frequent and occasional users.

J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 13 Table 4 compares the perception of park safety between younger and older adults. The results show that younger peo- ple tend to rate safety more highly than older adults. This difference was statistically significant, indicating that age influences how this aspect of the environment is perceived. Table 4. Comparison by age in perception of social cohe- sion (t-test) Cluster M OF t p Young people (18-29 years old) 4.12 0.60 2.34 0.021 Older adults ( > 50 years) 3.88 0.70 Inferential analysis using an independent t-test revealed statistically significant differences in the perception of so- cial cohesion between age groups (t = 2.89; p = 0.004). Younger adults (18–29 years) reported a higher percep- tion of social cohesion (M = 4.18; SD = 0.55) compared to older adults (50 years or older) (M = 3.89; SD = 0.68). Younger park users experience the park as a space with greater opportunities for social interaction, shared activ- ities, and support networks. This age group may actively participate in group recreational activities, group sports, or informal social gatherings, all of which strengthen their perception of social cohesion (Ziaesaeidi, 2025). On the contrary, older adults may face specific barriers to in- tegrating into the active use of the space, whether due to phys- ical limitations, differing schedules of use, or the perception of less inclusion in activities dominated by younger groups. Furthermore, some older adults may prioritize other aspects of the park (tranquility, rest, landscaping) that do not necessarily reinforce their perception of social cohesion, but do reinforce their overall satisfaction with the space (Xu et al., 2022). This result underscores the importance of considering an intergenerational perspective in the design and manage- ment of public spaces, promoting diverse activities that fos- ter interaction among different age groups. Strategies such as intergenerational programs, open cultural activities, or community workshops could further strengthen the per- ceived social cohesion among all users (Whear et al., 2023). On the other hand, the lower standard deviation in the young group (SD = 0.55) indicates a more homogeneous perception of social cohesion within this segment. At the same time, the greater dispersion among older adults (SD = 0.68) suggests a more varied experience within this group, possibly influenced by individual differences in lev- els of social integration, health or company during visits. The analysis of the 15 semi-structured interviews allowed us to identify four central categories (Table 5) that comple- ment and enrich the interpretation of the quantitative results. Interviewees identified the park as a space that fosters in- tergenerational and social connection. The expression “it is a social lung” reflects the central role the park plays in the com- munity’s daily life, where spontaneous interactions between diverse groups occur. This result aligns with the high percep- tion of social cohesion and inclusion reported in the quanti- tative data (Tables 1 and 2). It reinforces the role of public spaces as facilitators of social capital (Woo et al., 2023). Table 5. Results of the qualitative analysis: emerging categories from the interviews (n=15) Category theme Description Appointment representative Subtopics emerging Meeting space community The park serves as a meeting point for intergenerational integration, fostering coexistence and diverse social activities. “Here you can see people of all ages socializing, playing sports, or just walking. It is a social hub” - Physical activity - Family gathering - Diversity of users Challenges in security nocturna Although the park is generally perceived as safe during the day, concerns persist about lighting and surveillance at night. “During the day, everything is fine, but at night, there are poorly lit areas where people feel a little unsafe” - Poor lighting - Presence of groups in isolated areas - Requires police surveillance Post-earthquake resilience value The park is seen as a symbol of social and emotional reconstruction following the 2016 earthquake, generating a sense of community pride. “After the disaster, this park was a symbol that we could rebuild our city together” - Urban recovery - Local identity - Community pride Need for continuous maintenance Users emphasize the importance of maintaining green areas, furniture, and equipment to preserve the quality of public spaces. “Green areas need more constant care; furniture should be renewed periodically” - Garden care - Furniture repair - Permanent cleaning

J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 14 Concerns about safety at night, especially in poorly lit areas, are repeatedly expressed. This qualitative result com- plements the variability observed in perceptions of safety (Table 2) and the differences according to visiting frequency (Table 3). Perceived insecurity at night represents a persis- tent challenge that can limit equal access to the space, parti- cularly for more vulnerable or occasional users (Valera-Per- tegas & Guàrdia-Olmos, 2017). The park is valued as a tangible symbol of recovery from the 2016 disaster, highlighting its emotional and symbolic importance for the inhabitants of Portoviejo. This category explains the high score recorded in the identity and belon- ging dimension (Table 2). The interpretation of the results is consistent with the literature on public spaces as restorative elements in post-disaster contexts, where their reconstruc- tion represents a physical improvement and a process of co- llective healing (Nazaruddin, 2025). Concern over the progressive deterioration of street furni- ture, green areas, and complementary services reinforces the perception that the park requires active management to sus- tain its long-term functionality and attractiveness. Although the overall perception of the quality of the facilities was high (Table 2), potential future problems can be anticipated if sustained preventive maintenance programs, a fundamental aspect of sustainable public space management, are not im- plemented (Ahirrao & Khan, 2021; Halawani, 2024). The qualitative results offer interpretive nuances that en- hance our understanding of the observed quantitative pat- terns, identifying both aspects that consolidate La Rotonda Park as a resilient and integrative space, as well as those that require targeted interventions to maintain its social value. Conclusions The analysis of the social perception of La Rotonda Park in Portoviejo showed that this public space has established itself as a symbol of resilience and a key community gathe- ring point, primarily valued for its identity and sense of be- longing. Although most users have a positive perception of social inclusion and the quality of facilities, safety concerns persist, particularly at night, which limits the full use of the park for certain groups, such as older adults and occasional visitors. Furthermore, the need to properly maintain and ma- nage the space to ensure its sustainability and strengthen its integrative role, thus promoting social cohesion and post-di- saster urban recovery, is highlighted. References Ahirrao, P., & Khan, S. (2021). Assessing Public Open Spac- es: A Case of City Nagpur, India. Sustainability, 13(9), 4997. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094997 Banco Mundial. (2021). A cinco años del terremoto, Ec- uador sigue trabajando en su resiliencia frente a de- sastres. https://www.bancomundial.org/es/news/ feature/2021/04/27/a-cinco-a-os-del-terremoto-ecua- dor-sigue-trabajando-en-su-resiliencia-frente-a-desas- tres BBC News Mundo. (2016). Terremoto de magnitud 7,8 en la zona costera de Ecuador deja más de 600 muertos. https:// www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias/2016/04/160416_ecua- dor_terremoto_magnitud_colombia_peru_bm Escalera-Reyes, J. (2020). Place Attachment, Feeling of Belonging and Collective Identity in Socio-Ecological Systems: Study Case of Pegalajar (Andalusia-Spain). Sustainability, 12(8), 3388. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su12083388 Farzaneh Karegar, F., Pettersson, J. S., & Fischer-Hübner, S. (2020). The Dilemma of User Engagement in Privacy Notices: Effects of Interaction Modes and Habituation on User Attention. ACM Transactions on Privacy and Security (TOPS), 23(1), Article 5, 1–38. https://doi. org/10.1145/3372296 Fonseca, J. M. F. (2014). La importancia y la apropiación de los espacios públicos en las ciudades. https://www. redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=499051556003 Guan, S., & Wang, J. (2023). Research on the Optimal De- sign of Community Public Space from the Perspective of Social Capital. Sustainability, 15(12), 9767. https:// doi.org/10.3390/su15129767 Halawani, R. (2024). The Effects of Public Spaces on Peo- ple’s Experiences and Satisfaction in Taif City: A Cross-Sectional Study. Land, 13(9), 1529. https://doi. org/10.3390/land13091529 Lai, Y., Wang, P., & Wen, K. (2024). Exploring the Impact of Public Spaces on Social Cohesion in Resettlement Communities from the Perspective of Experiential Val- ue: A Case Study of Fuzhou, China. Buildings, 14(10), 3141. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103141 Mejía, G., & Gomez, R. (2015). La percepción social en los parques urbanos de la ciudad de Tepic, Nayarit, Méxi- co. http://tecnocientifica.com.mx/volumenes/V7N8A5. pdf Ministerio de Turismo del Ecuador. (2024). De Portovie- jo para el mundo «Parque La Rotonda» – Escuela de Educación Básica 18 de Octubre – Ministerio de Tur- ismo. https://www.turismo.gob.ec/de-portoviejo-pa- ra-el-mundo-parque-la-rotonda-escuela-de-educa- cion-basica-18-de-octubre/ Nazaruddin, M. (2025). Place and space tensions in post-di- saster landscapes. Progress in Disaster Science, 26, 100432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2025.100432 Nietzen, O. F. (2018). Recuperación post-desastre, un reto para alcanzar el desarrollo sostenible: Estudio de caso del área de desarrollo rural de La Mojana. https:// ridum.umanizales.edu.co/handle/20.500.12746/3259

J. Adv. Educ. Sci. Humanit. (July - December 2025) 3(2): 9-15 15 Páramo, P. (2010). Aprendizaje situado: Creación y modifi- cación de prácticas sociales en el espacio público urba- no. Psicologia & Sociedade, 22, 130–138. https://doi. org/10.1590/S0102-71822010000100016 Pérez, E. (2004). La percepción del espacio público. Bitá- cora Urbano Territorial, 8(1), Article 1. https://www. redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=74800804 Qi, J., Mazumdar, S., & Vasconcelos, A. C. (2024). Under- standing the Relationship between Urban Public Space and Social Cohesion: A Systematic Review. Interna- tional Journal of Community Well-Being, 7, 155–212. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42413-024-00204-5 Reid, I. D., Appleby-Arnold, S., Brockdorff, N., Jakovljev, I., & Zdravković, S. (2020). Developing a model of perceptions of security and insecurity in the context of crime. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 27(4), 620– 636. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2020.1742235 Rivera, E., Veitch, J., Loh, V. H. Y., Salmon, J., Cerin, E., Mavoa, S., Villanueva, K., & Timperio, A. (2022). Outdoor public recreation spaces and social connected- ness among adolescents. BMC Public Health, 22, 165. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12558-6 Sadra, Y., & Rezvani, M. (2019). Sociological Explanation of Fear of Crime in Public Spaces Case Study Mashhad. Sociology and Criminology-Open Access, 7(1). https:// doi.org/10.35248/2375-4435.19.7.202 Segovia, O., & Jordán, R. (2005). Espacios públicos ur- banos, pobreza y construcción social. https://reposito- rio.cepal.org/entities/publication/fbaa3067-e396-4c7f- 9fdf-5e77c58a2a47 Tumini, I., Arriagada Sickinger, C., & Baeriswyl Rada, S. (2017). Modelo para la integración de la Resiliencia y la Sostenibilidad en la Planificación Urbana. Universi- dad de Sevilla. Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectu- ra. http://hdl.handle.net/11441/59268 Valera-Pertegas, S., & Guàrdia-Olmos, J. (2017). Vulnera- bility and perceived insecurity in the public spaces of Barcelona / Vulnerabilidad y percepción de inseguridad en el espacio público de la ciudad de Barcelona. PsyE- cology, 8(2), 177–204. https://doi.org/10.1080/2171197 6.2017.1304880 Vidal-Domper, N., Herrero-Olarte, S., Ramos, G., & Benag- es-Albert, M. (2025). “Eyes on the Street” as a Condi- tioning Factor for Street Safety Comprehension: Quito as a Case Study. Buildings, 15(15), 2590. https://doi. org/10.3390/buildings15152590 Villagra, P. A., & Felsenhardt, S. C. (2015). El paisaje urba- no de emergencia en Valdivia, Chile: Contribuciones a la planificación y diseño urbano post-desastre para la restauración. Revista INVI, 30(83), 19-76. http://dx.doi. org/10.4067/S0718-83582015000100002 Whear, R., Campbell, F., Rogers, M., Sutton, A., Rob- inson-Carter, E., Sharpe, R., Cohen, S., Fergy, R., Garside, R., Kneale, D., Melendez-Torres, G. J., & Thompson-Coon, J. (2023). What is the effect of in- tergenerational activities on the wellbeing and mental health of older people?: A systematic review. Camp- bell Systematic Reviews, 19(4), e1355. https://doi. org/10.1002/cl2.1355 Woo, A., Joh, K., & Yu, C.-Y. (2023). Making space and building social capital: Unpacking the relationships be- tween community center use and social capital in urban regenerated neighborhoods in Seoul, Korea. Habitat International, 132, 102742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. habitatint.2023.102742 Xu, T., Nordin, N. A., & Aini, A. M. (2022). Urban Green Space and Subjective Well-Being of Older People: A Systematic Literature Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114227 Ziaesaeidi, P. (2025). ‘Relax Underneath the Trees and Read a Book’: Exploring Social Sustainability in Par- ks Through the Lens of Young People. Sustainability, 17(5), 2138. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052138 Conflicts of interest The author declares that he has no conflict of interest. Author contributions Oscar A. Muñoz: Conceptualization; data curation; for- mal analysis; research; methodology; visualization; writing the original draft; writing, review and editing. Data availability statement The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Statement on the use of AI The author acknowledges the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies to improve the readability and cla- rity of the article. Disclaimer/Editor’s note The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publi- cations are solely those of the individual authors and contri- butors and not of Journal of Advances in Education, Scien- ces and Humanities. Journal of Advances in Education, Sciences and Humani- ties and/or the editors disclaim any responsibility for any in- jury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions, or products mentioned in the content.