Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
Human beings are rooted in nature, and when we travel in greenery areas, we become more aware of this connection. As we are more immersed in nature, we become more relaxed and comfortable and likely to make generous decisions. But rapidly growing urban population and changing patterns of work and live have increasingly removed our societies from the natural world and allowed ourselves to be encapsulated in an artificial environment. This created a widening gap between people and natural settings in modern era. For this reason, urban greenery areas, in addition to the aesthetic values, can make a significant contribution to well-being, health and also improve the quality of life by providing a setting for people gathering and social life interaction. Urban parks, as part of urban greenery areas and open public spaces, can generate tremendous values by providing open space and recreational opportunities. In this regard, it further contributes to larger urban policy objectives, such as job opportunities, youth development, public health, and community building. Apart from this, urban parks in developing countries are generally facing great problems due to the poor urban management, rapidly urban growth which is almost geared towards the automobile and resource crunch for the maintenance of existing parks/gardens and for the creation of new ones. Considering these, Deedgah recreational complex (Mellat Park) located along Pasdaran Boulevard, as the main north-south corridor in Sanandaj and gateway to Kermanshah, has been selected as case study of the research. Due to its location, function and long historical background, it gained a symbolic identity in the collective memory of the people. In recent years, its social life of the park is threatening due to some improper management practices concerning two underpass bridges have been built to ease traffic congestion. To reach the main aim defined as the title of research, a kind of descriptive-analytical method has been used regarding the results of literature review and field survey conducted in autumn 2011. For more information regarding the users’ view, the questionnaire and interview with experts has been used. To evaluate the existing conditions and for strategies and prioritizing them, SWOT and AHP as a decision-making methods has been used regarding certain spatial elements. The results show that Viability, Environmental health and Permeability respectively fall into the high-priority strategies for maximizing Deedgah recreational park function. This means that the proposed action plans should be more in line with the prioritized strategies.
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