Comparison of Green Space Usage During COVID-19

The main aim of this paper is to evaluate park usage and accessibility in the northern part of Nicosia, Cyprus, and to compare the usage and accessibility before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides insights into how park usage changed due to the pandemic and lockdown measures, offering valuable information for urban developers on improving park safety and health standards during pandemic conditions. A total of 500 housing units were selected from among the Nicosia neighborhoods to assess changes in behavior and park usage pre- and post-pandemic. These data were analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics, and field studies were conducted to identify key parks in Nicosia. The results indicate that parks offer a pleasant environment, with higher usage observed in the summer and spring seasons. However, a decline in park usage was noted during the pandemic, highlighting areas for enhancing safety and accessibility. Recommendations are made to assist urban developers in making informed decisions for future park improvements, as well as for further studies on this topic. This research aims to contribute to creating safer, more accessible parks for the residents of Nicosia.