Examination of urban parks within the scope of accessibility and universal design: The case of Trabzon Ortahisar Region

It is observed that the majorşty of many urban spaces and structures in the environment we live in are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities and mobility impairments. Due to the obstacles created by the cities we live in. People who cannot integrate with the society cannot go out of the house and join the society. To end this situation, urban spaces and buildings should be designed with everyone in mind, not just people in a certain group. Urban parks are public spaces that people use to relax and have fun, and where they can touch and feel the green. Therefore, parks should be taken into consideration while urban planning is being done, and they should be well designed and in sufficient number within the city. This study aims to investigate the problems faced by not only the disabled and those with mobility restrictions, but also all people in the use of urban parks, and to offer solutions to these problems within the scope of universal design and accessibility. In this context, the main objective of the study is to determine the status of urban parks by examining the concept and standards of accessibility, the concept and principles of universal design. In Ortahisar, the central district of Trabzon, 4 parks (Avni Aker Nation Garden Park, Atatürk Square Meydan Parkı, Botanical Park, Eko Park) were selected considering their size, density and location characteristics. It is aimed to determine the existing deficiencies in urban parks so that users can easily participate in urban life, and to reveal the arrangements that need to be made to make the parks more accessible. Key Words: Accessibility, Universal Design, Urban Parks.