Operational Governance and Management of Public Spaces in Contemporary Cities: A Comparative Study of Urban Parks in Kathmandu

Public spaces are important components of urban life, supporting social interaction, recreation, and environmental outcomes. Their success, however, depends not only on their physical provision but also on governance structures that guide their daily operation and maintenance routines. This study examines how operational governance and management practices influence user perception of public spaces by comparing two urban parks in Kathmandu: Ratna Park, a major city-level space, and Nandi Keshwor Bagaicha Park, a neighborhood-scale park. Using a mixed-method approach, the research employed a user survey (n = 191), interviews, and field observations. Survey data were used to develop composite indices for maintenance, safety, amenities, and user comfort. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, independent-samples t-tests, and multiple regression models were used to examine the influence of governance on user perception. The findings reveal notable differences between the two parks. Nandi Keshwor Bagaicha Park scored higher on perceived safety (mean = 4.30) and comfort (mean = 4.01), while Ratna Park showed stronger performance in amenities (mean = 3.91). Although correlations between governance indicators and comfort were weak, regression analyses showed that maintenance, safety, and amenities accounted for only a small portion of the comfort variance (r2 = 0.03). These findings indicate that operational variables alone do not fully explain user perception and suggest that broader management practices and patterns of use may also influence perceptions of comfort. This study provides exploratory empirical insight into public space governance and highlights the importance of strengthening operational systems and management practices in contemporary cities.