Examination of the current situation of Tokat city parks within the scope of earthquake park design principles and a sample earthquake park design

Earthquakes are natural disasters that cause significant loss of life and property. Precautionary urban development is the cornerstone of protecting against natural disasters. Turkey is located in a first-degree earthquake-prone zone. One of the measures to mitigate this risk is the creation of planned cities. Establishing earthquake parks within open and green spaces is a key measure to be taken from the perspective of landscape architecture during the process of creating planned cities. This study evaluated the suitability of neighborhood, district, and urban parks, temporary housing areas, and the Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Taşlıçiftlik Campus in the center of Tokat province for potential earthquake park status. The evaluations revealed that the neighborhood, district, and urban parks, as well as the temporary housing areas in Tokat city center, were unsuitable for post-earthquake accommodation. These areas were found to lack adequate infrastructure, equipment, and functionality. The study concluded that the Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Taşlıçiftlik Campus, one of the temporary housing areas designated by AFAD in Tokat, could be considered a potential earthquake park. A proposal for the use of the area as an earthquake park was developed. In addition, the study identified deficiencies in urban facilities and elements in this area and proposed new design ideas to create a safe and comfortable environment for residents affected by a potential earthquake. The study emphasized the importance and necessity of having an earthquake park in every province. Furthermore, it is planned to share the findings with relevant stakeholders and implement them for the Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Taşlıçiftlik Campus, a designated temporary housing area.