Evaluation of Giresun city parks for accessibility

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate Giresun city parks in terms of urban accessibility. In this direction, by drawing attention to the environmental factors affecting the accessibility of the city, the ideal park standards, land structure, demographic characteristics, and the sufficiency of public transportation facilities were tried to be determined.Theory and Methods: In this study, Giresun city parks (43) were addressed in terms of urban accessibility. In order to carry out the study, 8 different analysis studies were made, which were thought to shed light on similar studies and were mentioned in detail, using the relevant law, institution, and literature resources and standard values. For this purpose, ArcGIS and NetCAD software and satellite image of WorldView-2 satellite were used.Results: In the study, 24 playgrounds, 14 neighbourhood parks, 4 urban parks, and 1 sports area in the city were defined. The ideal service radius for city parks was 200 m for playgrounds, 500 m for neighbourhood parks, 800 m for city parks and sports areas, while a suitable walking distance for 1 min was calculated as 80 m. In addition, according to the final accessibility area of 829 ha, it was determined that accessibility to parks from 65% of the city was provided, but when an evaluation was made in terms of the high-slope land structure, which was seen as the biggest obstacle in ensuring accessibility, the ratio of the area with slopes higher than 8% was found to be 61%.Conclusion: As a result, suggestions were developed for the evaluation of parks and it was determined that the biggest obstacle in ensuring urban accessibility was the slope of the land. In line with the data obtained, a proposed park map for the city was with analysis applications that can be used in urban design and planning studies. Thus, it is thought that spaces that improve the urban life quality may emerge.