This study investigates the relationship between leisure motivation and satisfaction among the elderly utilizing outdoor recreational spaces within the context of an aging society. It also explores the implications for urban park planning and development . The study area selected was the Hubin Park in Hangzhou, and an integrated approach was employed, utilizing both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) methods to establish a systematic evaluation framework for leisure motivation and satisfaction. Through comprehensive path analysis employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study meticulously investigated the influence mechanism of leisure motivation on the satisfaction of elderly users at Hangzhou Hubin Park. SEM, as a multivariate statistical method, is adept at simultaneously analyzing the relationships between multiple dependent and independent variables, which makes it particularly well-suited for the examination of the intricate connections between motivation and satisfaction as observed in this research. Through SEM, we are not only able to confirm the direct effect of leisure motivation on satisfaction but also to elucidate the interactions among various factors that influence satisfaction. Moreover, SEM facilitates a graphical representation of potential influence pathways between variables through path analysis, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between older adults’ leisure motivation and their satisfaction levels. Consequently, employing SEM not only aligns with the theoretical requirements of this study but also yields more accurate and comprehensive analytical outcomes. The findings indicate that diverse leisure motivations, including career pursuit and exploration, social interaction, fulfillment of personal needs, physical fitness, and stress relief, each exert a significant positive influence on satisfaction. These effects manifest across multiple dimensions, such as landscape environment, accessibility, facilities, service management, spatial layout, and cultural heritage satisfaction. Overall, a positive correlation exists between the intensity of leisure motivation and satisfaction levels, providing both a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the optimized design of urban parks. The selected study site is located in Hubin Park, Hangzhou. An integrated methodological approach was employed, utilizing both Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to establish a systematic framework for evaluating leisure motivation and satisfaction.