A research on the microclimatic effects of parks in the case of Aydin Kanza Park (Antalya)

The importance of parks and green spaces in cities increases because of the urban heat island effect of global warming, which is effective worldwide. Urban green spaces contribute to the quality of life in cities with the microclimatic effects they provide. Researches show that green spaces are cooler than the built environment that surrounds them in the summer months. The climatic comfort provided by the urban green spaces becomes even more important for regions with a warm climate. In this study, it is aimed to determine the microclimatic benefits provided by an urban park. In this context, temperature, humidity and wind speed measurements were made during one year in Aydın Kanza Park and its near surroundings in Antalya city of Turkey. Starting from January 2019, measurements were made once a week, three times a day in the morning (07:00-08:00), at midday (13:00-14:00) and in the evening (20:00-21:00), at a height of about two meters above the ground in four different locations of the park (tree-covered, lawn-covered, hard grounds and pond-side). Using Extech 45160 – wind speed, temperature and humidity measuring device, the measurements were made in accordance with three replicated trial pattern and time-series basic trial approach. In addition to those locations inside the park, the measurements were also made outside the park at 50 and 100 meters in order to determine the cooling effect of the park in the near surroundings. Assuming that the microclimatic benefits of the park are no longer seen at a certain distance, the same measurements were also made at a check point, 300 m. away from the park. The results obtained from the research revealed the heating effect of the park in winters in addition to the cooling effect in summers. The park contributes to the climatic comfort of the city-dwellers by providing 3,2 oC warmer environment at midday in January, the coldest month in Antalya, and 3,6 oC cooler environment at midday in August, the hottest month of the city.