Preferences for restorative places: the role of sound and other features.

People frequent places - often parks but not necessarily- nearby their homes to unwind, meet people, and/or for physical activity. The few studies that are available are primarily focused on the health benefits of natural recreational areas, primarily in rural areas, but do not incorporate the sound characteristics of those places. Nor do we know how other aspects (social, visual, physical) determine peoples choices and whether we can discern different groups in terms of their preferences. Available data from a Dutch project (survey, audit, and geographical data, modelled noise data) allowed us to perform such in depth analyses. The determinants of choices of places people frequent for relaxation, social interaction and/or physical activity were mapped. Also a typology of these different places will be developed and linked to societal groups based on demographic features but also on questions about e.g. the importance of green space for them and motivations people give for their choice for a specific favorite area to visit frequently. This information is relevant from a planning point of view.