The connection between meteorological conditions and recreation in green spaces of the city: A case study of Maksimir Park in Zagreb

Maksimir Park is one of Zagreb's green spaces which offers possibilities for many forms of active and passive recreation under different meteorological conditions throughout the year. Regarding air temperature and bio-meteorological assessments of thermal comfort, the most favorable seasons of the year for recreational activities for most recreationists are spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). The main goal of this research is to determine the differences in the characteristics of recreationists in the park regarding different recreational activities performed under different meteorological conditions. The following characteristics of recreationists have been taken into account: socio-demographic characteristics; characteristics of recreational mobilities; motivation of recreationists; recreational activities performed in the park; expenditures of recreationists; and level of satisfaction with the existing recreation and hospitality infrastructure of the park. The differences between recreationists in Maksimir were determined by comparing: a) sunny days in all four seasons of the year; b) rainy days in spring and autumn; and c) sunny and rainy days in spring and autumn. Data were collected through face-to-face surveying of recreationists in the park in multiple locations, using the convenience sampling method. The population in the research consisted of adult residents of the City of Zagreb and its surroundings (settlements of Zagreb County), who were involved in recreational activities in the park. The total sample consisted of 603 recreationists in Maksimir, with approximately equal sub-samples from 6 non-working days with regard to the season of the year,i.e. meteorological conditions (air temperature, precipitation) during 2013 and 2014. The statistical analysis was carried out with the SPSS program using standard statistical methods: one-way ANOVA; chi-square test; and t-test. The collected results are a contribution to a better understanding of the profiles of recreationists and recreational activities under different meteorological conditions, and can provide a starting point for higher-quality conception of future recreational supply in Maksimir, as well as other green spaces in Zagreb.