The Development of a Model on the Service Needs of Exercise at the Public Park in Daoli District, Harbin City

Abstract

Background and Aim: Urban parks are vital in promoting public health and physical activity, especially under China’s “Healthy China 2030” strategy. In cold-climate cities like Harbin, fitness needs in public parks present distinct challenges due to seasonal limitations and infrastructure gaps. This study aimed to explore the service needs of exercise activities in the public parks of Daoli District, Harbin, and to develop a service model that responds to the diverse demands of spontaneous fitness groups.

Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining expert interviews with questionnaire data collected from 426 park users. The research identified five core service needs: accessible venues and facilities, professional fitness guidance, health monitoring services, organized activities, and information access. Findings showed that while basic park infrastructure supports informal exercise, significant gaps remain, particularly in personalized guidance and monitoring. Structural equation modeling revealed that service satisfaction was strongly influenced by factors such as professional support, health awareness, and environmental conditions.
Results: The results highlight a misalignment between current service offerings and user expectations, especially among middle-aged and elderly women who form the majority of park fitness groups. Enhancing service delivery requires adaptive infrastructure, trained personnel, and better coordination between public health agencies and park management.

Conclusion: This study contributes a practical framework for optimizing fitness services in cold-region urban parks, providing evidence-based recommendations for municipal planning. The proposed model can inform future policy to ensure inclusive, effective, and climate-resilient public exercise environments.