In support of Shanghai’s development objective to establish a resilient ecological city, this study conducts a systematic analysis of demand differentiation among demographic groups within the urban ring ecological park, utilizing data from 13,358 valid questionnaires. It intends to address the empirical gap concerning social utilization of large-scale ecological spaces and propose optimization pathways of green space transformation in high-density urban environments. The research employs categorical and cross-tabulation analyses to examine demand disparities across five dimensions: basic service provision, youth needs, the balance between innovation and tradition, sustainable management, and nature education. Key findings indicate: (1) Significant age-based differentiation, with youth preferring nature-based recreation and sports, while seniors prioritize health facilities and static recreation; (2) Critical deficiencies in basic services, innovative functions, and nature education capacity. Four strategies are proposed: (1) Construct a tiered facility system (conventional + specialized) with age-friendly scenarios; (2) Enhance dynamic response mechanisms for basic services; (3) Balance ecological conservation with innovative function development; (4) Integrate nature education with school curricula. These approaches will strengthen the resilience of park services, thereby facilitating the transformation of ecological spaces from “green infrastructure” to “socio-cultural carriers” and providing a Chinese paradigm for the renewal of green belts in megacities.