Authors

Zheyan Chen, Ruixin Gan, Yin Wang

Research Question

How does visitor behavior—such as park usage patterns, visit duration, and travel distance—vary between hot, average-temperature, and cool days in the summer?

Background

Each summer, approximately 350 NYC residents succumb to heat stress, frequently at home. Accessible cooling is crucial as temperatures climb. To optimize design, resource allocation, and thermal comfort, this study examines demographic trends and population dispersal patterns in parks.

Methodology

The study used multivariable OLS regression to examine park visitation, incorporating environmental, temporal, and social factors. Hourly estimates were generated from daily totals using day-of-week weights. Heat Index values, derived from temperature and humidity, were categorized per NYC guidelines. POIs were classified by shade, water proximity, and use via spatial mapping. Categorical predictors were binary-encoded, and multicollinearity was checked (VIF < 5). Stepwise selection prioritized significant variables, with some non-significant ones retained for theoretical value.

Deliverables

• Technical Report
• Data Visualization Dashboard

Datasets