A Research on The Accessibility of Parks: The Case of Ankara Ahmed Arif Park

Abstract

This research topic has been chosen to draw attention to the problems of transportation and access to parks, one of the urban areas, by disabled individuals. The problems encountered by physically disabled people living in our cities in the use of urban green spaces and the need for these spaces are increasing. Designs should be envisaged and implemented so that physically disabled individuals can use urban parks without being separated from social life and without any obstacles. Within the scope of the research, the dimensions, and locations of the design elements (entrances, sidewalks, pedestrian paths, stairs, reinforcement elements, coatings, etc.) in Ankara Ahmed Arif Park that can be used by individuals with different types of disabilities were determined by on-site measurement. These elements were photographed, and their current physical characteristics and dimensions were determined. As a result of the comparison of the field studies and standards, a suitability analysis was made, appropriate uses were determined, and solutions were developed for inappropriate uses. The walkways, landscape areas and urban reinforcement elements in the area were evaluated in terms of the use of disabled people and the problems encountered in their use were revealed. Solutions have been proposed to overcome these problems and suggestions have been made for the accessible design of urban parks.