1Public open space (POS) is defined as ‘produced or managed open space with public accessibility’. POS serves as the cornerstone of sustainable urban development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and tourists alike, while also providing a safe refuge during disasters and post-disaster situations. It enriches urban aesthetics through a blend of cultural and natural elements, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of its citizens. It is often referred to as a user-friendly space. The present study aims to understand the spatial distribution and patterns, magnitude of change, driving factors, as well as visitor perceptions and satisfaction levels regarding POS in Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC).

2PMC is situated in the mid-hill region of Nepal and comprises 33 wards and approximately 500 small settlements. It covers an area of 464.24 km² and has a population of 255,465 according to the 2011 census. The city is both naturally attractive and a world-renowned tourism hub in Nepal. The philosophical orientation of the present research is grounded in a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data were garnered through interviews with key informants, while quantitative data was collected via reconnaissance surveys, checklists, GPS mapping, interpretation of Google Earth Pro and Cadastral Maps, along with 770 visitor interviews and field observations. All POSs were grouped into 32 sub-typologies, which were then further regrouped into eight major typologies such as parks, playgrounds, religious sites, water bodies, viewpoints, caves, river courses and other distinct spaces. Spatial distribution patterns of POSs were analysed using the Nearest Neighbour Index and Quadrat Analysis, while a descriptive method was used to compare past and present transformations of POSs. Visitor perceptions of POSs were assessed using Chi-Square tests. The study found a total of 275 POSs, covering an area of 2,574.2 hectares, or five per cent of PMC’s total area. The size of these patches of space ranges from 0.02 hectares to 558 hectares. Approximately 24,455 visitors visit POSs every day. The spatial configuration reveals a clustered pattern with 62.2m² per capita of POS, while 25 wards fall short of the WHO-recommended 9m² standard. Only 162 patches, covering 170 hectares, can be utilised for disaster risk reduction, the equivalent of 4.1m² per person. Over a 20-year period (1998–2018), the POS area shrank by 22% due to natural events such as landslides, erosion and floods, while 28% of it has been impacted by human encroachment and 47 % has remained unchanged; only 3% of the area has expanded. Hence, there is an annual decrease of 0.13% (1.23ha) in POS for the period 1998 to 2018. Here, both natural and socio-economic factors are pivotal to these changes.

3Visitor perceptions varied significantly based on their experiences which were influenced by the attributes of the available facilities, such as accessibility, natural attraction, cultural significance, internal layout, sanitation, safety and parking. A strong correlation was found between visitor satisfaction and well-managed patches, while poorly or unmanaged spaces were awarded lower scores. The study underscores the need for POS development, its preservation and enhanced user-friendliness by municipality authorities, different tiers of government including other key stakeholders. In conclusion, a bottom-up approach involving public participation is recommended for encouraging stakeholder engagement and forming robust management committees for POS development, rehabilitation and management.