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Explora: Environment
and Resource Sustainable urban park design

Table 11. Summary of the data obtained on the examination and Hansen found that ease of access to green areas can
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of Altinpark reduce obesity and stress. Altinpark is located in an easily
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accessible area, allowing citizens to access the park by
Factor Data vehicle, public transportation, or on foot. While the park
Management – ANFA Ankara Altinpark İşletmeleri Ltd. Şti. provides a good environment for recreation, it falls short
quality manages the park, and there is no citizen
participation in the management. in terms of entertainment options. Although there is a
Life quality – 1,200-vehicle capacity parking lot debate about balancing recreational versus entertainment
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– 80% of the users reach the park in minutes or uses in urban parks, larger parks such as Altinpark could
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less. 58 potentially accommodate both without disturbing those
– 45% of the participants come to the park for who use them primarily for recreation. In terms of “social
walking or touring, 35% for recreation. 12 quality,” it can be stated that Altinpark is in good condition.
– Most of the uses in the park have changed over
the years and have turned into commercial The inspection revealed that the park is clean, well-
enterprises. 60 maintained, and suitable for children, the elderly, and the
Social quality – A wide variety of playgrounds for children in disabled. However, as found in similar studies, 57,76,77 the
the park park is mostly used by young and middle-aged healthy
– The park is mostly used by people aged 25 – 34. 57
– The seniors’ club for citizens over 60 has over individuals. It was observed that the senior citizens’
2,000 members. club within the park encourages elderly usage. Similar
– The park is disabled-friendly, with a wheelchair regulations could facilitate park usage by individuals from
service, golf carts, toilets for the disabled, and a all segments of society and age groups, including those with
free parking service. 62
– 80% of users find the park clean and physical disabilities, thereby enhancing its sustainability. In
well-maintained, 57 90% feel safe in the park, the model, the factor with the most design elements was
and 80% find the lighting sufficient. 64 “esthetics and furnishing quality.” With the increase in
Esthetics and – Approximately 86% of the participants found urban development and the desire for a good life, urban
furnishing quality the lighting units sufficient, 67% found the parks have begun to play important roles in meeting
garbage bins sufficient, and 54% found the the esthetic desires and recreational needs of urban
seating units sufficient. 78,79
– 35% of the participants use the park for exercise, residents. Urban parks play crucial roles in meeting
18% for team sports, and 20% come to the park esthetic demands and providing restorative environments
for jogging. 58,66 against the psycho-physiological effects of living in the
– Park received an average score of 1.88 out of city. To achieve these expected benefits, the parks’ soft
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3 for features such as walking/jogging paths, and hard landscaping, furniture, walking and jogging
sports areas, and free green activity areas, an
2 20
average score of . for the adequacy of park paths, and other elements must be designed holistically.
furniture, and an average score of 2.53 for plant The elements should harmonize through color, form,
elements. 68 and texture; in other words, their esthetic quality must be
Environmental – Approximately 55% of the woody landscape high. Research indicates that citizens associate parks with
quality plant taxa in the park have moderate water feelings of comfort, peace, and serenity. 23,57 In general,
consumption, 8% have moderate to high it has been observed that Altinpark enables citizens to
water consumption, and 4% have high water experience visual pleasure while supporting mental and
consumption 71
– There are a small number of solar-powered physical health through the furniture and usage areas that
lamps and photocell lighting. meet the needs of the citizens.
110 out of the 180 plants are exotic, and 70 are
native. 72 In the model, environmental factors such as water and
Activity quality – There are no bicycle paths in the park. energy conservation, waste management, and biodiversity
– There are 24 kiosks, cafes, tea gardens, and are grouped under the “environmental quality” factor.
restaurants in the park, which is high in number Urban parks serve crucial roles in stabilizing microclimate,
compared to similar urban parks. 60 filtering noise and wind, and purifying air and water.
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– The only activities that can be considered events However, to fulfill these functions effectively, parks must be
organized in Altinpark are the fairs.
environmentally sustainable. For this purpose, measures
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should focus on economical water use – especially for
citizens’ top priorities. For urban parks to provide the irrigation, energy conservation practices should be
expected social benefits, they must first be easily accessible. implemented, and a waste management system for the
Research revealed a negative correlation between travel whole park should be established. Although efforts are being
time to the park and visit frequency. A study by Nielsen made in these areas at Altinpark, there is still significant
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Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 15 doi: 10.36922/eer.5839