Green areas use during a lockdown in Croatia caused by a Covid-19 pandemic

Over the last year, we have witnessed a COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus that has spread around the world unexpectedly fast. Besides the health aspect of the human population, a pandemic also affected the entire social and economic situation and relations around the world [1], [2]. The temporary closure of educational institutions and many service industries almost all over the world marked the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Croatia first wave started on March 16, 2020, when the Government of the Republic of Croatia issued the decision on suspension of teaching in higher education institutions, secondary and primary schools and the regular operation of pre-school education institutions and the establishment of distance learning. Physical distancing was among the most promoted measures aiming to slow down the spread of the virus [3]. The intensity of daily migrations has decreased, and many citizens have spent their days inside private housing. We were interested in whether the citizens used green urban areas in that period. The reasons, motivation, categories of green areas and the frequency of visits during the lockdown were examined and the obtained results were compared with the use of green areas by the same citizens in the period before the pandemic. The research was conducted through a web questionnaire in Croatia. City parks are the most visited category of green spaces before and during the lockdown. In order to avoid meeting other people, there was an increase in the use of green areas outside the city and the use of riverbanks. Besides the use of green areas before and during the lockdown, we assessed general thoughts on urban green areas, they showed that maintenance of existing as well as planning of future urban green areas are very important to respondents regardless of them living in the village, small or big cities. Most respondents emphasized the importance of having the nearest green area within a radius of 300 m from home. Respondents from villages were more content with the aesthetic side of green areas they are visiting than city residents. City residents stress the importance of having accessible public green space, as village dwellers prefer the presence of private green areas. Both would like to improve waste collection in the green areas they frequently use. Frequently suggested improvements that respondents shared included a wish of more green areas, more trees, better maintenance, more care for older trees and better acility infrastructure inside the green areas (dog parks, children’s playgrounds, sports equipment benches, tables and waste bins). Respondents also shared dissatisfaction with tree topping, frequently used pruning technique, which shows a deeper understanding of urban green spaces. The research showed the importance of urban greenery in the everyday life of citizens, as well as in times of crisis. Interestingly, the number of green area users increased during the lockdown, which also confirms to us the importance of urban green spaces. The collected data enabled a better understanding of the use of green areas in general and the perception of the same by citizens.