Lot size, garden satisfaction and local park and wetland visitation

Modest increases in urban density have been achieved through decreasing lot size in developments in many Australian cities over the last 20 years. It has been hypothesised that decreasing lot size need not seriously decrease quality of life or gardening satisfaction but may result in increased use of local open space. This suggestion was investigated with matched small and larger blocks in four areas in Perth, Western Australia. All locations had access to local parks and were in the vicinity of local wetlands. It was found that small lots did not affect the interest and recreation values of gardens. They also did not affect visitation to local parks. Increased reported visitation to wetlands was reported for households on smaller lots and particularly where there were no children under the age of 14 years. Perceived environmental control appeared to be a significant factor in governing wetland visitations and had a small correlation with park visitation. The potential use of wetlands created for improved stormwater management to cater for increased demand caused by higher urban density is noted.