Perceptions of urban stream corridors within the greenway system of Sapporo, Japan

Many rivers and streams have disappeared through flood control, drainage works and urban development in Sapporo, Japan. Also, accessibility to and naturalness of the streams have deteriorated. Newer river and stream corridor improvement technologies such as nature-oriented construction, and public involvement methods are emphasized in the Sapporo General Green Space Plan. The purpose of this study is to make clear the perceptions of stream corridors and to show some factors which are important for integrating them into the Urban Greenway Plan. After consideration of landforms, stream corridor land uses and location, five stream corridors which have been improved in the Sapporo urban areas were selected. Neighborhood residents’ perceptions of the stream corridors were surveyed using a questionnaire, and a census of the vegetation along the stream banks was also taken. The results showed that improvement of the stream corridors in question had been supported by nearby residents. After the factor analysis, five important factors of stream corridor perception, namely, “recreational use,” “participation,” “nature and scenery,” “sanitary maintenance,” and “water safety” were identified. Based on these factors, stream corridor features including vegetation that may affect preference were discussed as variables for integrating the stream corridors into the Greenway Plan. Furthermore, using the factor scores, respondents were classified into three groups: the Passive Group, the Recreation Interested Group, and the Participation Oriented Group. Corresponding to these groups, a number of programs facilitating participation in or support of greenway planning are suggested. In conclusion, it is suggested that (1) enhancing the ecological environment; (2) creating a recreational circulation system; and (3) making full use of the natural and cultural characteristics of the local areas are important to the integration of stream corridors in urban greenways.