Urban parks in the dynamics of leisure and tourism

among contradictions and possibilities

Abstract

The phenomenon of leisure and tourism have emerged as intensive and contemporary  production and consumption of spaces in cities and, in particular, their green areas and urban parks acquire new shapes, functionalities and symbologies. By focusing on tourism as a complex, dynamic and multidimensional phenomenon, we can see how, in addition, to promoting requalification and space valorization and generating local economic opportunities, it creates or amplifies tensions, disputes and contradictions around the urban environment and its green areas. Based on this understanding the central objective of this researsh is to understand the association between urban parks and visitation, especially tourism, in the context of current cities - a city that seeks to be guided by the assumptions of sustainability in order to stand out in regional and global interurban competition. To this goal, this is a theoretical and investigation study, which uses a qualitative approach, based on a survey of literature and bibliographical research, to achieve its intentions. It starts from a historical perspective that seeks to portray and reflect about the origins of green areas and urban parks from modern times to the present day in order to understand the roles, appeals, intentions and uses inherent in these spaces. In this context leisure and tourism are contemporary means of production and consumption that can both aggravate socio-space problems and conflicts but can offer more conscious and responsible uses when linked to proposals that integrate the surrounding communities, visitors and tourists. Finally, the importance of planning and managing visitation in urban parks is highlighted with the inclusion of environmental education, interpretive resources, and measures to increase social and community participation.