User-Based Evaluation of Urban Parks: A Case Study from Niğde, Turkey

Urban green spaces are vital for enhancing the quality of life in cities, offering environmental, social, and psychological benefits. However, in many mid-sized Turkish cities like Niğde, the adequacy and quality of urban parks remain understudied and underdeveloped. This study aims to evaluate user satisfaction with the infrastructure, accessibility, safety, and inclusivity of parks in Niğde, Turkey, using a participatory assessment approach. A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 residents, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to explore demographic relationships. The findings reveal significant dissatisfaction with core elements such as lighting, maintenance, accessibility, and signage. Moreover, gender-based differences emerged in usage patterns, safety perception, and preferred park activities. Based on these insights, the study proposes a set of user-informed strategies to improve urban green space planning in Niğde. The results provide both empirical evidence and actionable recommendations for more inclusive, user-centered park development in similar urban contexts.