Determining the recreational service area of the active green space: The case of Cukurova district

This study is conducted to investigate the adequacy of green spaces' services in terms of accessibility regarding the quantities and qualities of active green spaces in Cukurova district. Additionally, it is aimed to identify the location and planning principles that can provide the optimum benefit from active green spaces. At the first stage, 59 criteria are determined by referred to literature and experts views in order to understand accessibility of active green areas. These criteria are classified five main groups including the size of the area, the nature of the active green space, transportation, focal points, and the population density. At the second stage, criteria values were rated as a result of interview with experts and their significance levels were measured by Weighted Criteria Method. Then resulting maps were obtained, and service area values had been assessed in accordance with the type of active green space. Finally, suggestions to enhance the service area of active green space were formed according to findings. A total of 105 active green areas studied in this study constitute 3% the land coverage area of Çukurova district. If active green areas' qualities and quantities have the highest level, active green space accessibility can be reach 76% of the Çukurova district. However, this rate dropped to 41% as a result of the evaluation of the active green areas' qualities and quantities. This percentage is expected to rise up 55% with the improvement of their qualities and quantities. The rest of this percentage (that is 45%) constitutes 3% active green areas, 14% recreational area, and 28% priority areas for planned green field facilities.