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Explora: Environment
and Resource Sustainable urban park design

parks is to conserve natural resources, such as water and social, cultural, recreational, or entertainment activities
energy, reduce waste and water consumption, and improve during their free time. Parks also support mental health
the quality of life for all community members. To achieve by harnessing the restorative power of nature and promote
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these objectives, it is essential to implement methods physical health by offering exercise opportunities, such
that focus on energy efficiency, reduce energy use costs, as walking and jogging. By enhancing social, emotional,
reduce water consumption costs per user, and economical and physical well-being, parks can significantly improve
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planting in landscaping. When planning parks, it is residents’ quality of life and thus contribute to social
important to prioritize renewable energy practices and sustainability. 7,27
energy-efficient lighting systems to help reduce energy To ensure parks fulfill their functions effectively,
consumption. 15,31 Various measures should be considered planners and policymakers must prioritize high standards
for water conservation: (i) providing sustainable and in their design, management, and maintenance. Designers
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non-potable water for irrigation of plants in the park by should evaluate each component to ensure its relevance to
collecting rainwater and purifying gray water within the users’ needs in fostering interaction, holistic relationships,
park, (ii) installing smart irrigation systems, 17,21,32 and and systematic solutions. Community participation
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(iii) xeriscaping to minimize the need for additional in the design and management of parks is important for
irrigation using local plant species. 14,33 Parks that prioritize ensuring ecological, economic, and social sustainability
native plants in arid urban areas can enhance year-round and fostering community development. 5
usability by providing drinking water and shade structures
for users within the park. This not only improves human One of the primary considerations in design and
comfort but also alleviates local climate issues and reduces planning is inclusivity; parks should be accessible
the urban heat island effect. 22 to citizens from all walks of life regardless of age,
gender, physical capacity, economic status, or ethnic/
Urban parks can often serve as important centers for cultural group and easily reachable via various modes
biodiversity due to their diverse habitats and microhabitat of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or public
heterogeneity. Establishing policies and regulations to transit. 9,22,36 Consequently, transportation planning should
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conserve biodiversity is essential for protecting endangered be integrated into decisions regarding park locations, with
and threatened species. However, it is important to note public transportation supporting access to these parks. All
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that community engagement and identity can complicate new playgrounds must be designed to be accessible and
park design and management, potentially leading to inclusive for children while allowing easy supervision or
conflicts between biodiversity conservation efforts and the participation for older adults and disabled individuals.
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evolving demands of park users. 34 In addition, parks should cater to various demographics
As part of an effective waste management strategy, by providing areas and activities for working adults, the
strategically placed bins and recycling containers should be elderly, individuals with special needs, and any other
installed throughout the park to facilitate easy monitoring underprivileged group seeking relaxation. 28
and collection by maintenance staff. In addition, urban Key motivations for visiting parks include enjoying
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parks can function as recycling centers by allowing the natural environments, leisure activities, sports
composting of solid waste generated within these spaces. 8 participation, and spending quality time with family
or friends. The running and cycling trails and sports
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2.3. Social sustainability
facilities attract visitors of all ages while walking paths
Grigorovschi and Gheorghiţă define the city as “not only encourage outdoor activity. Parks equipped with adequate
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an anthropic landscape, but also the integration of heritage, sports facilities promote more dynamic behaviors, while
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tradition, culture, sounds, light and darkness, vegetation, diverse sports fields enhance physical activity levels. By
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air, the human element, water, sky, and all of these into the offering playgrounds suitable for various age groups, parks
landscape that we perceive consciously or unconsciously, become unique places in densely populated urban areas
with spaces in constant movement and development.” that provide free physical activities for everyone. 28
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This definition elucidates the relationship between city and Regardless of how well parks are designed and
social sustainability as dynamic concepts encompassing implemented, their sustainability depends on effective
physical space and social world design while promoting management. Parks that are poorly managed and
infrastructure to address social needs and issues. 35
maintained will deteriorate over time, losing their value,
A sustainable park fosters social interaction, cohesion, weakening users’ sense of security, and creating a sense
and the development of social capital. Parks are of isolation. Inadequate cleaning and maintenance can
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significant public areas where urban residents gather for lead to decreased park usage and a lack of security and
Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 3 doi: 10.36922/eer.5839