Examination of uşak city parks in terms of landscape design criteria

Parks contribute to the sustainability of the urban ecosystem as well as the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. In Uşak, the amount of green space is below legal standards, and its uneven distribution disrupts the continuity of green spaces in the city, highlighting the need for more effective urban planning. This study aims to examine 29 parks, one from each neighborhood, based on landscape design criteria and assess their current condition, offering suggestions to improve their usability. For this purpose, the parks were evaluated in terms of their size, suitability for different age groups, amenities, accessibility, safety, nighttime use, and plant conditions. The studied parks in Uşak do not provide sufficient comfort and safety for users due to maintenance deficiencies and landscape design issues. Problems such as insufficient seating areas, neglected children's play areas, and lack of lighting are prominent. To make these parks more functional, modernizing lighting systems, implementing accessibility measures for people with disabilities, and improving parking spaces are essential. Additionally, increasing green spaces, improving irrigation systems, and placing recycling bins will enhance the sustainability of these parks. All these improvements will strengthen the aesthetic and functional potential of these parks, significantly contributing to the quality of urban life.