Evaluation of the possibilities of use by disabled in Bursa city parks

This Master's Thesis aims to "Evaluate the Usage Opportunities of Bursa City Parks by the Disabled". The city parks (Reşat Oyal Kültürpark, Merinos City Park, Soğanlı Botanical Park, Hüdavendigar City Park) located in the central districts of Bursa (Osmangazi, Nilüfer) constitute the main material of the thesis study. Entrance areas of the parks, car parks, in-park road circulations (stairs, pedestrian ways, sidewalks, and ramps, etc.) reinforcement elements (benches, benches with tables, fountains, trash cans, border elements, lighting elements), plant elements, children's playgrounds, and sports areas were evaluated in terms of their compliance to the standards for the disabled by making necessary measurements. As a result, observations revealed that all parks partially complied with the standards and some disadvantages would create restrictions for the disabled. There are no guide tracks and perceptible surfaces, especially for the visually impaired, and the study concluded that solutions that are under the standards should be delivered for car parks, sitting benches, direction and signboards, stairs, children's playgrounds, and sports fields. In this context, it will be a significant approach to make the necessary arrangements in urban parks by prioritizing design for everybody and to ensure that disabled people participate in social life.