A Place for Meetings, Leisure, and Activity: The Multifunctionality of the Eastern Boulevard in Szczecin
Purpose: The analysis of the functionality of the Eastern Boulevard in Szczecin as a public space serving recreation, social integration, and place identity building. The focus was on identifying the recreational behaviors of the boulevard's users and assessing the extent to which it meets the needs of residents and tourists. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed covert and participant observation methods, conducted systematically over a ten-month period. The primary objective was to determine the motivations driving individuals to engage in recreational activities along the Eastern Boulevard, along with an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses through a SWOT-TOWS framework. Findings: The Eastern Boulevard serves as a multifunctional meeting and recreation space, exhibiting strong seasonal variations in activity and a diversity of leisure-time uses. While it holds significant recreational potential, measures are needed to mitigate the seasonality of space utilization. Practical Implications: The study findings indicate the need for further adaptation of the boulevard's space to evolving user needs, including the expansion of gastronomic offerings, cultural events, and recreational infrastructure. The importance of maintaining a balance between recreational functions, social interactions, and the preservation of cultural heritage was emphasized. Originality/Value: The study provides a new perspective through long-term observation hidden in natural conditions, enabling the capture of authentic behavior of users of urban space. It also contributes to the development of research on the contemporary use of waterfront spaces in medium-sized European cities.