Objective As urban construction evolves into an era of stock development, Shenzhen has seen an increase in the number of parks to more than 1,320. This growth marks a significant shift from an emphasis on hardware construction to a focus on soft services. However, challenges such as the mismatch between park service supply and the diverse demands of citizens, as well as insufficient management efficiency, have become increasingly evident. To address these issues, strategies such as “scenario-based service optimization” and “data-driven management collaboration” can be adopted. These approaches aim to break the cycle of “emphasizing construction over operation” in parks, thereby promoting high-quality operational services and effective management within Shenzhen’s parks.

Method The research pathway is delineated as “demand analysis – service optimization – management collaboration”. This research utilizes data from the Big Data Survey Report on “Open and Shared Scenarios” of Urban Park Green Spaces in Shenzhen (2023), as well as on-site research data from various parks. A cluster analysis is conducted to identify high-frequency activity scenarios among citizens. By combining functional and spatial analyses of the parks under research, the research proposes a quantitative model to assess the gap in park service demand. This model critically analyzes the discrepancies between the existing layout of park facilities and the actual needs of visitors. To enhance park service efficiency and improve visitor experiences, several factors are taken into account when determining the scale of services. These include park location, functional characteristics, site size, visitor flow, and demographics. The analysis integrates existing supporting service facilities to create a “minimum service unit” calculation model. This model identifies strategically located stations within the parks that provide essential daily services and consumption experiences for citizens. By ensuring these stations cover all main activity areas, the research aims to guarantee that visitors can access necessary services within a reasonable walking distance. This approach facilitates precise configuration and dynamic allocation of service facilities, ultimately enhancing the overall service quality of the parks.

Result The core of this research is centered around the strategies for collaborative park service optimization and management. From a hardware perspective, service upgrades are achieved through a combination of layout optimization, scale adjustments, and elastic supply strategies for service facilities. On the software side, three primary strategies are proposed, focusing on the perspectives of construction management departments, users, and operational service institutions. These strategies include enhancing data governance levels, optimizing the management of activity scenarios, and innovating policy mechanisms. These strategies can help establish a closed-loop linkage among public demand, service supply, and management response.

Conclusion As parks serve as the core carriers of urban public space, it is essential for them to respond proactively to citizens’ needs. This can be achieved through the deep integration of service scenarios with intelligent management systems. By employing the strategies for collaborative improvement of service management, a bridge can be constructed among the public, the market, and the government. This approach not only improves the efficiency and quality of park services but also alleviates financial pressures on government bodies. Moreover, leveraging market-oriented innovations to improve service quality can provide both theoretical support and practical models for the sustainable development of parks in Shenzhen and other high-density cities. This transition encourages the upgrading of parks from merely “space supply” to a model of “value co-creation”. In this context, parks can evolve into dynamic spaces that not only fulfill recreational needs but also serve as integral components of urban life that promote social interaction, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. By aligning the interests of various stakeholders, including citizens, local businesses, and governmental agencies, we can foster a collaborative ecosystem that enhances the overall quality of urban life. To facilitate this transition, continuous feedback mechanisms must be established. Regular surveys and data collection can help park managers stay attuned to the changing needs and preferences of visitors, and this ongoing dialogue between the two will ensure that parks remain relevant and responsive to the community they serve. In conclusion, the development of parks in Shenzhen requires a multifaceted approach that embraces both technological advancements and community engagement. By prioritizing service optimization and effective management collaboration, we can create parks that not only meet current demands but also anticipate future needs. This proactive stance will help ensure that parks in Shenzhen thrive not only as green spaces but also as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activities, ultimately contributing to the city’s long-term sustainability and livability. Through these efforts, we can redefine the role of urban parks, transforming them into essential elements that contribute positively to the urban fabric, thus fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.