A GIS-Based Mixed-Methods Assessment of Trail Safety, Environmental Comfort, and Accessibility in Wilson Park, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: This study evaluated trail safety, environmental comfort, and accessibility within Wilson Park in Fayetteville, Arkansas, using a mixed-method GIS-based spatial analysis framework. The research integrated municipal geospatial datasets, field-collected lighting infrastructure data, and user perception data collected through ArcGIS Survey123. Spatial analyses included kernel density estimation of lighting intensity, canopy coverage assessment, proximity-based amenity accessibility analysis, and a composite weighted overlay model. Results showed clear spatial variability in park conditions. Lighting infrastructure was concentrated in central recreational areas, while peripheral trail segments exhibited lower lighting density and greater distances to the nearest fixtures. Canopy coverage also varied across the trail network, with higher shading in vegetated corridors and reduced coverage in open recreational zones. Amenity accessibility followed a similar pattern, with central areas offering closer proximity to infrastructure compared to outer trail segments. Survey responses reflected these spatial patterns, with lower perceived safety, reduced lighting adequacy, and decreased environmental comfort clustering along peripheral trails. The weighted overlay analysis integrated objective GIS measures with subjective perception data and identified spatial clusters of “unsafe” conditions in areas characterized by low lighting density, reduced canopy cover, and limited amenity access. Central trail corridors were generally classified as safer or moderately safe. Overall, the findings demonstrate that GIS-based mixed-method approaches can effectively identify spatial mismatches between infrastructure distribution and user experience. This study provides a replicable framework for evaluating neighborhood-scale urban parks and supports targeted infrastructure improvements to enhance trail safety, environmental comfort, and accessibility.
Author: Sone, McKenna Nicole
Institution: University of Arizona
Language: English
Topic: Urban Green Space and Health
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7160473734