Evaluating the effect of vandalism on park facilities and user satisfaction: a case study at Taman Maluri, Cheras

This study investigated the effects of vandalism to park facilities and user satisfaction within the Taman Maluri, a neighbourhood park in Cheras in Kuala Lumpur in view of the fact that urban parks play vital roles in the community health, socialisation, and recreation activities in high-density cities. Although significant, vandalism which is expressed as graffiti, damaged playground equipment and other physical degradation pose threats to the operation, safety and aesthetic value of these public areas and may lower the utilization and perceived importance of these places. This study involved a systematic physical audit of the physical facilities, vandalism statistics and user satisfaction survey that facilitated this research in determining the status of the park facilities and understanding of the extent of damage as a factor on the perception of safety, comfort and general satisfaction by the visitor. Findings indicated that the more the vandalism, the less the user satisfaction and the less often the use of the park as the respondents linked a degraded environment to neglect and insecurity. The study identified the necessity of better maintenance programs, design solutions that are resistant to vandalism, and community involvement programs that will augment resilience of parks and support long-term recreational and social amenity. This research has an actionable implication to the park administrators and urban planners that are keen on ensuring that their focus efforts include giving attention to the allocation of resources, reinforcement of management practices, and the development of more resilient public spaces that can sustain the healthy and vibrant communities.