Evaluation of the Ecological and Social Functions of Manado City Parks: A Case Study of Taman Kesatuan Bangsa
Keywords:
City Park, Ecological, Green open space, Social, Taman Kesatuan BangsaAbstract
Urban parks provide ecological and social functions, but thermal comfort often becomes a limiting factor for their use in tropical climates. This study evaluates the ecological function, with a focus on microclimate regulation, and the social function of Taman Kesatuan Bangsa, Manado City. A descriptive quantitative approach was used, with field measurements in three zones (shaded, unshaded, and amphitheater) from 09:00 to 17:00. Thermal comfort was analyzed using the PMV and PPD indices, public space quality was assessed using the Public Space Index (PSI), and space use was examined through behavior mapping and a structured questionnaire distributed randomly to 50 visitors. The results show that all zones exceeded the comfort range. The mean PMV in the shaded area was 2.2 (PPD 65–94%), while the unshaded and amphitheater areas reached 3.0 (PPD 100%). The mean radiant temperature in the open area was 67.4 °C, far above that of the shaded area (37.6 °C), and the surface temperature of paving (53.7 °C) was higher than that of plants (31.1 °C). The overall PSI score was 3.42 (moderate), with meaning and identity of space as the highest dimension (4.10) and thermal and physical comfort as the lowest (2.15). About 48.1% of visitors came at midday and 62.9% stayed longer than one hour, with two-thirds of visitors aged over 45 years. The park is socially strong, but its ecological function is not yet optimal, so adding natural shade, vegetation, and cooler surface materials is needed to sustain its social function.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Risty Uswatun Hasanah, Priscilla Nelvy Gosal, Austensean Stanisiaus Lumunon, Keysia Barina Lobo, Pingkan Esther Ayu Moningka, Meylani Bannu Sirendeng, Rexvan Leopold Podung
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