Factors Influencing Social Interaction in Recreational Parks in Residential Neighborhoods: A Case Study of the Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Social interaction is crucial for social sustainability and quality of life. This research focuses on recreational parks in residential neighborhoods in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) to enhance social interaction. The study is designed to identify and prioritize factors affecting social interaction in the recreational parks in the residential neighborhoods in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). All factors are extracted from literature studies relevant to social interaction among individuals in recreational parks. This study follows the methodology of an expert-based questionnaire to weigh each factor according to a scale from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” regarding the extracted factors that may influence social interaction in recreational parks. The findings emphasized the importance of the demographic characteristics of neighborhood residents, the physical characteristics of recreational parks, and social sustainability characteristics in influencing social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational parks in the DMA. The analysis of the demographic characteristics showed that the age group of the neighborhood residents is the most effective factor on social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA, with a score of 4.53. Secondly, the analysis of the physical characteristics of the recreational parks showed that the periodic maintenance of the recreational park is the most effective factor on social interaction in DMA, with a score of 4.79. Thirdly, the analysis of social sustainability characteristics showed that safety and security is the most effective factor on social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA, with a score of 4.74. Finally, this study concluded with some recommendations to address the probable factors that may influence social interaction in the recreational parks in the Saudi context, particularly in DMA.

1. Introduction

Social interactions are an essential element of every civilization, as people from all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds converge. The primary aim of social interaction is to facilitate information sharing, reach decisions, generate ideas and solutions, address personal issues, and participate in social activities [1]. Effective social interaction requires a suitable physical environment and distance, together with the opportunity for communication with others [2].

Based on several literature studies, there is no agreement on the definition of social interaction. The following represents some of the main concepts of social interaction. According to Unger and Wandersman [3], social interaction is characterized as the communal activities engaged in by neighbors, including borrowing or lending tools, casual visits, and requesting assistance in crises. Dave [4] asserts that local social interactions are essential for the social sustainability of urban communities, since they enhance citizens’ sense of community and safety in urban areas. Moreover, social interaction is described as the occurrence of spoken or non-verbal conversations between two or more individuals [5]. Social interaction has also been defined as the continuous informal dialogue between a minimum of two individuals, facilitating access to social and economic resources and assistance for a resident [6]. Therefore, based on the preceding literature studies on social interaction, there is a lack of consensus around the idea of social interaction, with many interpretations and perspectives surrounding the principal notion of social sustainability. Hence, this research study focuses on face-to-face social interactions among individuals, including all social activities such as conversing.

Several research studies continuously assert that social interaction needs an appropriate context for its occurrence. Hence, numerous studies have shown the influence of physical environments on social relationships [7,8]. This may be accomplished by establishing environments and opportunities that facilitate many forms of social interactions, ranging from passive social interaction to more vigorous social interaction [8]. In addition, the physical environment has both direct and indirect influences on social interaction [7,8,9]. Based on the preceding literature studies, space may be used to either encourage or inhibit the duration of users’ presence in a location, hence influencing the probability of interactions among them.

In addition, the physical attributes of the constructed environment might influence individuals’ perceptions of a certain region [10]. The perceived features, including safety, beauty, and privacy, consequently affect individuals’ behavior and their decisions about the use of the place. As a result, certain traits have an indirect influence on interpersonal interactions among people. The architectural characteristics of the built environment may affect individuals’ views of a certain area [10]. The perceived attributes, such as safety, aesthetics, and privacy, subsequently influence individuals’ behavior and their choices on the use of space. Consequently, certain characteristics have an indirect impact on interpersonal relationships. In other words, it affects the psychological accessibility of recreational areas in the residential neighborhood, such as visual openness, seating, shading, and perceived safety, among others, that influence users’ comfort and willingness to engage with park spaces.

On the other hand, certain socio-economic factors have been recognized as substantially affecting social interactions among people in neighborhoods [11,12,13,14]. Talen [11] challenges modern urbanism’s claims about community, suggesting that social and economic homogeneity in a neighborhood may have a more significant impact on resident relationships. Furthermore, homeownership is an additional variable that might affect social interactions among residents. Homeowners tend to have higher levels of involvement with neighbors than renters [15]. Community services encompass a variety of offerings, such as services related to housing, education, government, healthcare, employment, public safety, transportation, leisure, and many other community functions [16]. The study conducted by Powers et al. [17] indicated the essential importance of recreational parks as one of the main community services in enhancing physical health, mental health, and social connectivity among community residents.

A neighborhood park is a facility that offers recreational amenities for local residents of the neighborhood. Neighborhood parks, as delineated by Von Kursell [18] and Malek, Mariapan, and Shariff [19], are areas designed for both active and passive recreational activities. Moreover, the Department of Town and Country Planning [20] defines a neighborhood park as a designated recreational place within a local community where residents may participate in leisure activities, sports, and social interactions. The Department of Town and Country Planning [20] asserts that neighborhood parks should include various amenities, such as a children’s playground, a football field, badminton courts, a jogging path, a shelter, a resting space, bathrooms, and parking facilities. Several research studies have shown that parks positively influence both physical activity and the social well-being of their communities [21,22].

The importance of parks to the local community is directly associated with fostering social interactions among its members. Sakip et al. [22] contended that the availability of accessible parks may improve social cohesion and involvement by attracting a greater number of visitors. Consequently, the study concentrates on one of the essential community services in residential neighborhoods, which are recreational parks. Neighborhood parks are essential for urban growth and enhancement, as well as for promoting social and cultural links. They serve not only as venues for individuals to appreciate nature but also as platforms for social and cultural interaction among them [23]. Figure 1 below illustrates the recreational parks utilized in residential neighborhoods in DMA. The recreational park shown below is located in Dhahran, particularly in the Ajyal residential neighborhood, with an estimated area of 7944 m².

The built environment may affect social interactions among individuals. The physical attributes of the constructed environment might influence people’s perceptions of a certain area [10]. The perceived features, including safety, beauty, and privacy, consequently affect individuals’ behavior and their decisions about the use of the place. For example, parks perceived as secure, inviting, and inclusive attract more people, while negative perceptions such as insecurity, congestion, or inadequate maintenance reduce psychological accessibility and discourage visits. Section 2.2 elucidates the impact of neighborhood residents’ impressions of the environment on access to recreational parks and its effect on social interactions among individuals.

Furthermore, what enhances the role of parks within residential neighborhoods as one of the most important pillars of community services is the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents (Vision 2030). As part of this vision, the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH), in collaboration with provincial municipalities, has launched the “Bahja” project (Bahja Project—MOMRAH), which is designed to convert underutilized urban spaces into vibrant public areas. This initiative aligns with MOMRAH’s broader strategic framework (MOMRAH Strategy) that focuses on enhancing parks and urban interventions in cities and residential zones to improve residents’ quality of life and well-being. The project entails the establishment and renovation of parks and public gardens, the provision of children’s play areas, and the creation of well-designed urban spaces that offer pleasurable, active experiences in natural settings. These environments are intended to foster social interaction, promote community sports, and enhance a sense of belonging and civic engagement. The “Bahja” design thus serves as a national initiative to consolidate municipal efforts, fulfill open space planning goals, and address the diverse spatial and recreational needs of urban communities by employing innovative implementation strategies and user-centered service delivery.

The benefits of the Bahja project also lie in achieving social cohesion while encouraging participation in community sports, which gives citizens a sense of the environment and a connection to the spirit of the people around them. Establishing public parks and gardens and providing children’s play areas are among the priorities of the Bahja project, in addition to urban sites for active experiences in immersive natural settings. The Secretary of the Eastern Province explained that the project represents an important step toward achieving a sustainable vision for the development and growth of cities and is a continuation of efforts to fulfill the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by creating a vibrant society and a thriving economy for an ambitious nation, enhancing community participation and making cities an attractive environment for residents and visitors.

This research seeks to identify factors influencing social interaction among neighborhood residents in recreational parks in residential neighborhoods to provide proper principles and criteria for the implementation of recreational parks in residential areas. By focusing on recreational parks in residential neighborhoods, the research contributes to the overall objectives of the Bahja project and supports the government’s efforts towards sustainable urban development and prosperity. The study is organized into the following sections: Section 2 describes the methods for data collection and analysis. Section 3 and Section 4 present and discuss the main results of the study. The study concludes in Section 5 with the key findings of the research study and recommendations.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

The designated case study for the research is the DMA. DMA is located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (Figure 2). It is approximately 360 km from the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. DMA comprises three cities: Dammam, Dhahran, and Khobar. Dammam is the capital of the Eastern Province and houses most regional administrative entities. Khobar city is the province’s commercial center, and Dhahran is a center of modern technology and science, particularly in the field of petroleum industries, where it contains the head office of Arab American Oil Company (Aramco) [24,25]. Figure 2 depicts the geographic position of DMA and its neighboring areas. The locational map of the DMA was generated using high-resolution data within the ArcGIS 10.3 software.

Figure 3 illustrates a population forecast for the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA), originally published in 2015 and projecting growth through 2040. Although a decade has passed since the forecast was made, recent estimates by the General Authority for Statistics 2023 census indicate that the current population of DMA is approximately 2.5–2.7 million, aligning closely with the original trend. The forecasted population of 3.25–3.62 million by 2040 remains a reliable benchmark for analyzing urban growth and its implications for recreational infrastructure and social interaction in the region. As urbanization accelerates globally, cities have become central to human progress, offering spaces for people to pursue their aspirations and daily needs. In response, the Saudi government has prioritized sustainable urban development, as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 [26]. Two of its core goals, fostering a thriving economy and an engaged society, are directly tied to enhancing urban living. To this end, the government introduced the Quality-of-Life Program, which aims to position Saudi cities among the world’s top urban centers through a comprehensive evaluation of diverse quality-of-life indicators [27].

DMA was chosen as the case study due to its strategic and demographic relevance. As the capital of the Eastern Province and the third-largest metropolitan region in Saudi Arabia, DMA reflects many characteristics common across fast-growing Saudi cities. These include a young population structure, high urbanization rates, economic diversification (especially in the service and industrial sectors), and increasing demand for social infrastructure such as recreational parks. Therefore, DMA can be considered a representative urban model for examining broader national urban trends, particularly in the context of community amenities and social interaction in public spaces. Thus, DMA’s development trajectory, shaped by rapid economic and spatial expansion, presents a valuable context for exploring the factors influencing social interaction in recreational parks within residential neighborhoods.

2.2. Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection is primarily categorized into two main types: primary data refer to information acquired directly by the researcher using methods such as interviews, social surveys or questionnaires, focus groups, workshops, and observation. The research would use original data acquired from specialists. The second data collection strategy is secondary data, which are mostly used for literature studies that include the fundamental principles. Literature studies primarily rely on relevant resources, such as books, journals, articles, websites, conference papers, and current projects. Literature studies seek to identify fundamental information, essential ideas, main concepts, and indicators pertinent to social interactions. In addition, they examine and categorize the elements that affect social contact among neighborhood inhabitants based on review articles and diverse global case studies.

According to the primary data collection, an expert survey (n = 19) was conducted using purposive sampling. The selected experts included decision-makers, urban planners, and architects currently working in Saudi Arabia, particularly those involved in urban development and public space design. These professions were chosen because they are directly responsible for shaping residential environments and recreational infrastructure, making their insights essential for identifying and prioritizing spatial and planning-related factors that influence social interaction in recreational parks. Experts were asked to express their level of agreement or disagreement with the traits identified in previous studies as potential influencers of social interaction among residents in recreational parks, specifically within the Saudi context and the DMA, which includes culturally appropriate interactions shaped by social norms, gender dynamics, and the design of public space. These traits include age group, gender, and socio-economic status; physical features such as park maintenance, amenities, safety, and accessibility; and social sustainability elements like sense of community, security, and inclusivity as established in previous studies.

The expert questionnaire poll had closed-ended questions on a five-point Likert Scale: strongly agree (SA), agree (A), neutral (N), disagree (D), and strongly disagree (SD). The five Likert scales were given numeric values from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). The qualitative results from the expert questionnaire survey were transformed into quantitative data. Microsoft Excel was used to examine the quantitative data from the questionnaire to identify the elements affecting social interaction among residents in the recreational parks in the residential areas in DMA.

The expert questionnaire poll included closed-ended questions on a five-point Likert Scale: strongly agree (SA), agree (A), neutral (N), disagree (D), and strongly disagree (SD). The five Likert scale points were assigned numeric values from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). The qualitative results from the expert questionnaire survey were transformed into quantitative data. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze the quantitative data from the questionnaire to identify the elements affecting social interaction among residents in the recreational parks within the residential areas in DMA.

The analysis of variance (ANOVA) determines if significant differences exist among the means of three or more independent variables. This method evaluates the impact of one or more categorical independent variables on a continuous dependent variable by comparing the variance within groups to the variance across groups [29]. The F-test evaluates the significance of observed differences, with a larger F-value indicating a greater likelihood that the differences are not due to random chance [30]. ANOVA is widely used in fields such as psychology, medicine, and social sciences to analyze experimental data and understand complex interactions [31]. The statistical model for ANOVA is expressed as follows in Equation (1):

(1)

where

$\mathit{k}$ = Number of groups (or treatments/categories) being compared.

${{\displaystyle \mathit{n}}}_i$ = Number of observations in the ${{\displaystyle \mathit{i}}}^{th}$ group.

$\overline{Y_i}$ = Mean of the ${{\displaystyle \mathit{i}}}^{th}$ group.

$\overline{Y}$ = Overall (grand) mean of all observations from all groups.

$Y_{ij}$ = The $j^{th}$ observation in the $i^{th}$ group.

$N$ = Total number of observations across all groups

In addition, analyzing the output of the questionnaires quantitatively was carried out using the weighted average formula [32]. The weighted average formula is a calculation method that considers the differences in the relative importance of data collection. When computing a weighted average, each value in the data set is multiplied by a predefined weight before the final calculation is completed. Equation (2) below represents the weighted average formula.

$$Weighted Average={\displaystyle \frac{\sum Wi\times Xi}{\sum Wi}}$$

(2)

ANOVA and weighted average data analysis methods were used to assess the impact of independent factors across the three identified categories: (1) demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents, (2) physical characteristics of the recreational park, and (3) social sustainability characteristics on the dependent variable (Social Interaction). To categorize the influencing factors into three primary groups, a thematic classification was employed based on a comprehensive literature review and insights obtained from the pilot study. Each factor was grouped according to its conceptual alignment and relevance to either the social attributes of the population, the tangible and spatial qualities of the recreational space, or the broader elements contributing to long-term social well-being and cohesion. While a formal statistical factor analysis was not conducted, the classification was validated through expert input during the pilot phase, ensuring logical consistency and relevance to the study context. The process was guided by prior research frameworks commonly used in urban studies, social interaction, and public space design, as referenced throughout the study.

Furthermore, bar charts were created using Microsoft Excel to illustrate the rankings and scores of each independent variable and to compare their respective degrees of effect on social interactions. Perception differs based on individual and socio-economic attributes, which might influence the prediction of park use. Individuals encounter distinct limitations and possess a diverse perception of space, which may influence the psychological accessibility of parks. Consequently, if a park fails to meet the desires of diverse user groups, park use will diminish. The socio-demographic factors pertinent to park use include age group [33,34], gender [35,36,37], and economic class [37,38]. In other words, in some cases, the demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents play a crucial role as psychological barriers to accessibility to the recreational park, which may affect recreational park use; hence, it will impact social interaction.

The main idea concerning the impact of physical characteristics on social interaction is the enhancement of opportunities and the creation of appropriate environments for diverse types and intensities of encounters, from superficial interactions to deeper social connections [8,9]. The physical environment directly impacts interactions and indirectly influences the duration users spend in space, thereby affecting the probability of user encounters and interactions [39,40,41,42,43]. The physical characteristics of recreational parks might influence individuals’ perceptions of a certain area [10]. The perceived features, including safety, beauty, and privacy, consequently affect people’s behavior and their decisions about the use of the place. Thus, certain traits have an indirect influence on interpersonal interactions. In other words, they impact the psychological accessibility of the recreational parks in the residential neighborhood, which influences the use of the recreational parks and directly affects social interaction. Hence, psychological accessibility refers to how individuals perceive and assess their surrounding situations [44]. Consequently, psychological accessibility and intention may function as an internal motivational mechanism for attitudes, serving as a psychological variable that generates certain impulses and establishes a state of preparation for conduct and experience.

According to Park [45], psychological park accessibility may be assessed quantitatively via surveys and qualitatively via interviews and questionnaire surveys. Besides surveys and interviews, several methodologies for assessing psychological park accessibility are documented in the literature. Gehl and Svarre [46] proposed direct observation as the principal method in public space research. This approach encompasses many techniques, including observational behavioral mapping, shadowing, and photographic analysis [46]. Despite being an indirect assessment tool for psychological characteristics, when integrated with other methods, it may be helpful. Wendel et al. [37] indicated that integrating interviews with systematic behavioral observation might provide a more comprehensive understanding of park use, including demographic patterns.

Furthermore, as proposed by McCormack et al. [47], a mixed-method approach might integrate quantitative surveys with qualitative observations or interviews, yielding a more comprehensive analysis and producing novel insights into the social and physical contexts of park use. Based on the preceding, the study recommended observational behavioral mapping and end-user questionnaire surveys as two distinct methods to examine the factors that may undermine access to the recreational parks, which may influence social interaction among neighborhood residents.

Since this study is limited only to determining the appropriate factors that may influence social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA, it is recommended that future research studies use the outputs of this study to identify the actual factors that may undermine social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA. Based on the preceding paragraphs, after conducting the expert questionnaire surveys to identify the appropriate factors that influence social interaction among neighborhood residents, the questionnaire survey technique will be used. Neighborhood residents (Recreational Park Users) will be asked about demographics, usage patterns of the neighborhood recreational parks, satisfaction and perception of facilities, safety, environmental quality, and overall experience. The questionnaire survey technique used for data collection from a substantial sample group is a self-completion questionnaire, which is also efficient in terms of cost, time, and energy [48].

The objective of utilizing a questionnaire is to extrapolate from a sample to a population in order to draw conclusions about specific characteristics, attitudes, or behaviors [49]. The socio-spatial urban study examines the interaction between the constructed environment and society. It is beneficial to analyze human movement within spaces and the creation of spaces by social contexts. Creswell [49] asserts that behavioral observation is a qualitative methodology used to comprehend individuals’ actions within certain geographical contexts. Goličnik [50] asserts that observation and behavioral mapping include the systematic collection of facts about ‘where, how, and what is occurring’ inside a location. To sum up, the main goal of applying observational mapping and the questionnaire survey is to examine the factors that may influence social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA.

3. Results

This part seeks to evaluate the correlation between the identified components, sub-variables, and social interaction by analyzing primary data collected from professional experts. The recommended number of experts for evaluating a tool ranges from two to twenty individuals [51]. A minimum of five participants is advised to ensure sufficient control over random agreement [52]. In this study, an expert survey was conducted with 19 experts who responded to questions related to factors influencing social interaction in recreational parks within residential neighborhoods. The professional experts included decision-makers, urban planners, and architects currently working in Saudi Arabia.

Table 1. Background information of professional experts.

Expert No.	Education Level	Type of Experience	Sector Type	Years of Experience
Expert 1	Master’s degree	Business development—Contraction	Private sector	17
Expert 2	Bachelor’s degree	Management	Private sector	9
Expert 3	Ph.D. degree	Urban planning	Public sector	34
Expert 4	Bachelor’s degree	Recreational park planner	Public sector	15
Expert 5	Bachelor’s degree	Construction—Management	Private sector	15
Expert 6	Master’s degree	Civil engineering—Project management	Private sector	16
Expert 7	Bachelor’s degree	Civil engineering—Project management	Private sector	6
Expert 8	Master’s degree	Contraction—Project management	Private sector	12
Expert 9	Bachelor’s degree	Recreational park planner	Public sector	8
Expert 10	Master’s degree	Urban planning	Public sector	30
Expert 11	Bachelor’s degree	Recreational park planner	Public sector	20
Expert 12	Master’s degree	Consultancy and contracting/Eng	Private sector	18
Expert 13	Bachelor’s degree	Inspection—Project management	Private sector	15
Expert 14	Master’s degree	Construction—Project management	Private sector	14
Expert 15	Bachelor’s degree	Compliance expert	Public sector	29
Expert 16	Bachelor’s degree	Construction—Planning and control	Private sector	13
Expert 17	Bachelor’s degree	Construction—Project management	Private sector	27
Expert 18	Bachelor’s degree	Civil engineering—Project management	Private sector	16
Expert 19	Bachelor’s degree	Project management	Private sector	5

presents the background information of each selected participant in the expert survey.

The expert questionnaire survey has two primary sections. The first section pertains to the expert’s personal information. The second section of the questionnaire comprises matrix tables that include the identified determinants and sub-variables potentially affecting social interaction in the recreational park in the residential area. Based on a pilot study that was conducted prior to the formal survey, the expert questionnaire survey was developed and refined. Walker [53] posits that pilot studies are an effective approach for refining the research objective and aim, as well as refocusing the research’s direction. A pilot study was conducted for this investigation for two purposes. The initial objective was to identify any issues with the initial survey design and resolve them prior to its formal implementation. The second objective was to evaluate the survey’s content and its relationship to respondent time [53]. Both factors are crucial for assessing the efficacy of the survey instrument. The following sub-sections elucidate the critical aspects influencing social interactions among inhabitants in recreational facilities inside residential areas, especially in the Saudi context of DMA.

3.1. Demographic Characteristics of Neighborhood Residents

An expert survey was conducted to investigate the correlation between the demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents and social interaction within the Saudi context, specifically in DMA. The demographic characteristics encompass tenure type, age group, gender, marital status, number of children in the family, employment status, education level, household income, working hours, transportation, and the presence of relatives in the same residential neighborhood.

Table 2. Responses regarding the demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents (source: authors).

Factors	SA	A	N	DA	SD
Tenure type	1	11	5	0	1
Age group	10	9	0	0	0
Gender	6	7	6	0	0
Marital status	6	8	3	2	0
Number of children in the family	3	9	4	1	2
Job status	3	3	9	3	1
Education level	2	9	6	0	2
Household income	3	7	5	2	2
Working hours	10	3	5	0	0
Transportation	5	5	7	1	0
The existence of relations (relatives) in the same residential neighborhood	6	10	2	0	0

below indicates the number of experts and their responses regarding the demographic aspects that may affect social interaction in the recreational parks in DMA. However, the total number of responses per item may vary (n = 18 or 19) depending on whether the expert chose to answer the specific question. Participation in each item was optional to respect the varied expertise of respondents.

According to Table 1, the following figure (Figure 4) illustrates the ranking of each demographic element in influencing social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational parks in DMA. Figure 4 demonstrates that age groups and working hours of inhabitants significantly influence social interactions at recreational facilities in residential communities. Furthermore, established relations within the same residential areas significantly influence social interactions among neighborhood inhabitants. Conversely, the educational attainment, family income, and employment status of inhabitants in the area have little impact on social interaction, according to expert opinions.

An ANOVA test was used to examine the relationship between social contact and the demographic features of inhabitants in DMA.

Table 3. ANOVA between demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents and social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational facilities (source: authors).

ANOVA: Single Factor
Summary
Groups	Count		Sum	Average	Variance
Availability and management of facilities	19		85	4.473684	0.540936
Types and characteristics of recreational and physical activities	19		83.25	4.381579	0.245614
Visual connectivity (permeability)	19		75	3.947368	0.44152
Affordance (place capacity)	19		80	4.210526	0.397661
Accessibility	19		79.14286	4.165414	0.143454
Maintenance	19		91	4.789474	0.175439
Climate responsive design	19		83.33333	4.385965	0.287199
Landscape features (aesthetic appeal)	19		84	4.421053	0.479532
Safety measures	19		82	4.315789	0.561404
Vending outlets	19		78	4.105263	0.654971
Hazard protection	19		89.5	4.710526	0.147661
ANOVA
Source of Variation	SS	η2	df	MS	F	p-value	F crit
Between groups	11.82114	0.861219	10	1.182114	3.190678	0.000804	1.878767
Within groups	73.35702		198	0.37049
Total	85.17817		208

illustrates that demographic variables have a statistically significant impact on social contact, as indicated by an F-value of 2.49 and a p-value of 0.01.

This suggests that demographic parameters, including age group and working hours, greatly influence the degree of social interaction among residents in the recreational parks within the residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, F (10, 198) = 2.49 exceeds the threshold value of 1.88, indicating statistically significant differences among the independent variables of the demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents. The findings indicate that the demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents significantly impact social interactions among residents in DMA, prompting us to consider the varied needs and demands of recreational facilities in residential areas to improve accessibility and foster social interaction and inclusion among residents.

3.2. Physical Characteristics of the Recreational Park

This part aims to verify the association between the physical characteristics of the recreational park and social interactions in recreational parks.

Table 4. Number of experts and their responses regarding physical characteristics of the recreational park that may influence social interaction (source: authors).

Factors	Sub-Variables	SA	A	N	DA	SD
Availability and management of facilities	Availability and management of the toilets in the neighborhood recreational facilities	12	3	3	1	0
	Availability and management of parking facilities	12	6	1	0	0
Types and characteristics of recreational and physical activities	Provision of children’s playground in the neighborhood recreational facilities	14	5	0	0	0
	Provision of football fields in the neighborhood recreational facilities	6	9	4	0	0
	Provision of jogging routes in the neighborhood recreational facilities	11	6	1	1	0
	Provision of rest area in the neighborhood recreational facilities	8	8	3	0	0
Visual connectivity (permeability)	Visual controllability (the transparency of the neighborhood recreational facilities with very high level of visibility)	4	9	6	0	0
	Visibility of neighborhood recreational facility (showcasing clearly the activities and options of the recreational facilities for the neighborhood residents)	6	10	2	0	0
Affordance (place capacity)	Capacity of neighborhood recreational facilities that provide access to a diverse range of activities	6	11	2	0	0
Accessibility	The proximity of the neighborhood recreational facilities to users in the neighborhood	10	7	1	1	0
	The number of females who have access to neighborhood recreational facilities	5	10	4	0	0
	The number of males who have access to neighborhood recreational facilities	3	11	5	0	0
	The number of children who have access to neighborhood recreational facilities	9	5	5	0	0
	The number of elderly who have access to neighborhood recreational facilities	7	9	2	0	1
	The number of disabled who have access to neighborhood recreational facilities	9	6	4	0	0
	Connectivity of parks in the neighborhood design	9	9	0	0	0
Maintenance	Periodic maintenance of neighborhood recreational facilities	15	4	0	0	0
Climate responsive design	An appropriate design for the environmental climate of the city	10	7	2	0	0
	The selection of construction materials is appropriate for the location and area	6	8	5	0	0
	Provision of shelter/shaded areas in the neighborhood recreational facilities (coverage from sun or rain)	13	6	0	0	0
Landscape features (aesthetic appeal)	Provision of suitable finishing materials, lighting, and furnishings within neighborhood recreational facilities	10	7	2	0	0
Safety measures	Availability of the railings and fire suppression systems within the neighborhood recreational facilities	9	7	3	0	0
Vending outlets	Availability of the food and drink kiosks in the neighborhood recreational facilities	6	10	2	1	0
Hazard protection	Protection of contact with potentially dangerous substances that might lead to health damage and potential threats to the neighborhood recreational facilities user’s safety	10	8	1	0	0
	Cleanness of the neighborhood recreational facilities (regular garbage collection)	18	1	0	0	0

below delineates the number of specialists and their responses about the physical characteristics of the recreational park that may influence social interaction within the recreational parks in DMA.

The table above elucidates the prioritization of the components that may influence social interaction according to expert responses. Consequently, Figure 5 illustrates the ranking of each primary variable of the physical characteristics of the recreational park in influencing social interaction in DMA. According to Figure 4, the scores of all primary variables exceed 4, demonstrating the critical significance of the physical characteristics of the recreational park in shaping social interactions within recreational facilities. The results indicated that the maintenance of the parks, such as periodic maintenance of the park’s lighting, jogging track, and playground, has the highest score (4.79) in influencing social interaction among neighborhood residents. In addition, the results revealed that the significance of hazard protection for the visitors of the recreational parks and the availability and management of the facilities are the second and third priorities in terms of their impact on social interaction among residents, with scores of 4.71 and 4.47, respectively. Overall, the results indicated that all the physical characteristics are influential in social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational parks.

The ANOVA analysis shown in

Table 5. ANOVA between physical characteristics of the recreational park and social interaction among neighborhood residents (source: authors).

ANOVA: Single Factor
Summary
Groups	Count		Sum	Average	Variance
Availability and management of facilities	19		85	4.473684	0.540936
Types and characteristics of recreational and physical activities	19		83.25	4.381579	0.245614
Visual connectivity (permeability)	19		75	3.947368	0.44152
Affordance (place capacity)	19		80	4.210526	0.397661
Accessibility	19		79.14286	4.165414	0.143454
Maintenance	19		91	4.789474	0.175439
Climate responsive design	19		83.33333	4.385965	0.287199
Landscape features (aesthetic appeal)	19		84	4.421053	0.479532
Safety measures	19		82	4.315789	0.561404
Vending outlets	19		78	4.105263	0.654971
Hazard protection	19		89.5	4.710526	0.147661
ANOVA
Source of Variation	SS	η2	df	MS	F	p-value	F crit
Between groups	11.82114	0.861219	10	1.182114	3.190678	0.000804	1.878767
Within groups	73.35702		198	0.37049
Total	85.17817		208

examines the relationship between the 11 primary components of the physical characteristics of the recreational park and social interaction among neighborhood residents in the recreational parks. The results demonstrate a statistically significant difference in physical characteristics among the 11 primary components. The F-value is 3.19, accompanied by a p-value of 0.00, indicating a substantial effect of the physical characteristics of the recreational park on social interaction among neighborhood residents.

Furthermore, F (10, 198) = 3.19 exceeds the threshold value of F, 1.88, indicating statistically significant differences among the independent variables of the physical characteristics of the recreational park. Consequently, the findings indicate that physical characteristics, including periodic park maintenance, accessibility for all societal members, and the presence of essential safety measures such as fire suppression systems and protection against hazardous substances that could pose health risks, may substantially affect social interactions within recreational facilities in residential neighborhoods. To sum up, the results revealed considerable disparities across the independent variables of the physical characteristics of the recreational park, demonstrating its impact on social interaction among inhabitants in the DMA. This indicates that accommodating various physical attributes of the recreational park might improve social interaction and inclusion among residents, consequently elevating the overall quality of life in residential communities.

3.3. Social Sustainability Characteristics

A study was conducted to examine the association between social sustainability characteristics and social interaction among inhabitants in the Saudi context, particularly in DMA. The elements derived from prior work included density, characteristics and interests of users (neighborhood residents), privacy, safety and security, and sense of community.

Table 6. Number of experts and their responses regarding social sustainability characteristics (source: authors).

Factors	Sub-Variables	SA	A	N	DA	SD
Density	The number of neighborhood recreational facilities users	7	10	2	0	0
	The number of residents per house	5	5	6	3	0
	The population density of the residential neighborhood relative to its total area of the neighborhood	9	6	4	0	0
Characteristics and interests of users (neighborhood residents)	-	2	4	1	0	0
Privacy	Perceived privacy and comfort in using neighborhood recreational facilities	8	8	3	0	0
	Physical or visible barriers (trees and fences)	3	9	7	0	0
Safety and security	The incidence of crime or the prevalence of conflict in the residential neighborhood	13	5	1	0	0
	Percentage of neighborhood residents who feel safe in their neighborhood recreational facilities during daylight and nighttime	16	3	0	0	0
Sense of community	Engagement in social activities and community affairs of the residential neighborhood by using social media, WhatsApp group and others (participatory decision-making pertinent to the neighborhood)	10	5	4	0	0

below illustrates the number of specialists and their responses to the social sustainability characteristics that may affect social interaction in DMA.

According to the expert survey, Figure 5 depicts the ranking of social sustainability characteristics in relation to their correlation with social interaction among residents in the recreational parks. As illustrated, safety and security within the recreational facility are of paramount importance, receiving a score of 4.74 regarding their influence on social interaction among residents. Experts indicate that safety is regarded as the most critical factor among the social sustainability characteristics in the Saudi context, potentially impacting social interactions in public spaces such as neighborhood recreational parks. Conversely, as illustrated in Figure 6, the characteristics and interests of neighborhood residents received the lowest score among the extracted factors (3.24), as it was overlooked by the majority of experts, who did not regard it as a significant factor influencing social interaction among residents in recreational facilities within residential neighborhoods.

Furthermore, an ANOVA study was performed to examine the relationship between social sustainability characteristics and social interaction among residents in the recreational parks in the residential areas.

Table 7. ANOVA between social sustainability characteristics and social interaction among neighborhood residents in recreational facilities (Source: authors).

ANOVA: Single Factor
Summary
Groups	Count		Sum	Average	Variance
Density	19		77	4.052632	0.48473
Characteristics and interests of users (neighborhood residents)	19		29	1.526316	4.374269
Privacy	19		76.5	4.026316	0.402047
Safety and security	19		90	4.736842	0.149123
Sense of community	19		82	4.315789	0.672515
ANOVA
Source of Variation	SS	η2	df	MS	F	p-value	F crit
Between groups	121.6947	0.4736	4	30.42368	25.00844	6.11 × 10−14	2.472927
Within groups	109.4883		90	1.216537
Total	231.183		94

indicates that social sustainability characteristics have a statistically significant effect on the dependent variable, social interaction, as shown by an F-value of 25.01 and a p-value of 0.00.

This suggests that characteristics such as privacy, safety, and a sense of community can significantly influence social interactions within recreational parks. The ANOVA findings highlight the importance of these social sustainability factors in shaping the level of social engagement among residents in DMA’s parks. As a result, the outcomes point to the need for Saudi Arabian policymakers to prioritize the safety and security of park visitors. Additionally, protecting visitors’ privacy remains a key concern within the Saudi community. Understanding these factors is essential for policymakers aiming to meet social sustainability needs and enhance the quality of social interaction in recreational areas within residential neighborhoods.

4. Discussion

Based on the preceding results, the study explored how various categories of factors, demographic, physical, and social sustainability characteristics, influence social interaction in recreational parks. These categories are grounded in a multidisciplinary theoretical framework that intersects urban design, environmental psychology, and sociological theory. Firstly, the output of the results revealed the importance of demographic characteristics of the neighborhood residents in influencing the social interaction among neighborhood residents in DMA, which is in line with Kara [7], Almansor [10], and Farshidi [54].Theoretically, the influence of demographic characteristics such as age and gender is supported by behavioral setting theory and environmental preference frameworks, which suggest that individuals’ interaction with public space is mediated by personal needs, cultural roles, and perception of safety. Based on the expert opinions regarding the influencing factors, the study indicated that age group, working hours, the existence of relatives in the same neighborhood, and gender had the greatest influence. This relationship reflects a causal mechanism where demographic structure shapes social preferences, which in turn condition how frequently and comfortably individuals interact in public space. For instance, younger age groups and shorter working hours correlate with greater leisure availability, thus increasing park visitation and potential for interaction. According to the demographic characteristics, municipalities may analyze not only the general populace but also diverse sociodemographic groups to identify disparities and foster social equality.

Secondly, the result emphasized the significance of the physical characteristics of the recreational park as it plays a crucial role in influencing social interaction, aligning with Kara [7], Almansor [10], Sammakieh and Mohammed [54], and Farshidi [55]. These results align with the environmental perception theory, which suggests that well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing, and secure public spaces positively affect psychological accessibility, thereby promoting higher levels of social engagement. Expert input revealed that periodic maintenance, safety features, gender-sensitive facilities, and aesthetic appeal were critical. The causal chain here can be interpreted as follows: high-quality physical environments → positive environmental perception → lower psychological barriers → increased use and social interaction. Perceptions of safety, inclusivity, and maintenance not only shape visitation frequency but also affect how people engage with others during those visits.

Thirdly, the ANOVA results emphasized the importance of social sustainability characteristics in shaping social interaction. Based on expert opinions, safety, sense of community, neighborhood density, and privacy had the highest effectiveness. This supports theories from environmental sociology, which emphasize the role of place attachment and social capital in fostering community interaction. Specifically, privacy emerged as a culturally rooted priority in the Saudi context, where social life is often regulated by gender norms and religious traditions. The need for separation of spaces, visual shielding, and family-centered recreation options reflect cultural values embedded in urban design. Understanding these social expectations helps in designing parks that respect local traditions while fostering inclusiveness and interaction.

To sum up, this study proposes a context-specific theoretical framework that links socio-demographic factors, physical design, and cultural values to patterns of social interaction. For policymakers seeking to enhance park usage and promote social cohesion, it is essential to consider the interplay among these dimensions. Future research should continue to integrate perspectives from environmental psychology, sociology, and cultural studies to develop a more comprehensive understanding of social behavior in recreational parks particularly within culturally conservative contexts such as Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, based on the synthesis of findings from the literature review and expert survey, Figure 7 presents a conceptual framework outlining the key factors influencing social interaction in recreational parks within residential neighborhoods in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA).

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

In conclusion, this study has comprehensively reviewed the literature and conducted an expert-based questionnaire survey with 19 experts from various disciplines to identify and prioritize the key factors influencing social interaction in recreational parks within the Saudi context, particularly in the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). The analysis highlights the significant influence of demographic characteristics of neighborhood residents, physical characteristics of the recreational park, and social sustainability attributes on levels of social interaction. Specifically, demographic characteristics showed a statistically significant influence on social interaction (F = 2.49, p = 0.01), physical characteristics showed a stronger influence (F = 3.19, p = 0.00), and social sustainability characteristics demonstrated the highest significance (F = 25.01, p = 0.00).These findings offer essential insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to enhance the social role of recreational parks in residential neighborhoods. To translate these findings into actionable steps, this study recommends a series of quantifiable and time-bound policy interventions.

First, urban planning authorities should integrate demographic profiling into the design of neighborhood parks. This includes tailoring features and facilities to meet the needs of youth or other dominant age groups in specific districts. A measurable target would be to ensure that at least 80% of new or redesigned parks reflect local demographic data by 2026. Second, physical upkeep must be prioritized. Authorities should institutionalize periodic maintenance schedules (e.g., lighting, jogging paths, playgrounds) and ensure at least four maintenance rounds annually for each community park by 2025. Moreover, safety and security enhancements should be implemented across all parks. This includes surveillance systems, lighting, and patrol presence in high-density areas, with a goal to achieve 100% safety infrastructure coverage by 2026. Privacy-sensitive design, such as gender-segregated spaces and semi-enclosed recreational zones, is also vital given the cultural expectations in the Saudi context. Progress can be measured through user satisfaction surveys, with the aim of improving satisfaction ratings by 15% over two years.

Community engagement should also be institutionalized through regular participatory design workshops and seasonal public consultations. Each district should conduct at least two community engagement sessions annually to better align development with public expectations. Additionally, psychological accessibility defined by residents’ comfort, perception of safety, and inclusiveness should be addressed through targeted awareness campaigns. These campaigns should aim to reach at least 30% of each district’s population and be evaluated through behavioral tracking and participation rates.

In summary, this study presents a clear framework for enhancing social interaction in recreational parks, grounded in expert assessments and statistically significant results. Incorporating measurable goals, timelines, and evaluation metrics can help bridge the gap between research and practical implementation. Future research should focus on evaluating the outcomes of these strategies and refining indicators to assess both social impact and spatial equity in public spaces across Saudi cities using end-users survey. While the study offers valuable insights from the Dammam metropolitan area, its findings are influenced by local cultural norms such as gender segregation and family-oriented park use, regulatory conditions, and expert-based surveys, which may limit broader applicability. Although the methodology is adaptable, it should be contextualized to local social and regulatory environments to ensure relevance and accuracy in other settings.