Assessment of the spatial inequality and configuration of recreational green spaces in the urban centre of Nowshera, Pakistan

Green spaces are vital for fostering sustainable and healthy urban living. This study examines the spatial inequality in the provision and distribution of recreational facilities in the rapidly growing urban centre of Nowshera District, Pakistan. Field surveys, spatial statistics, and geospatial analysis were used to evaluate both the accessibility and spatial arrangement of recreational spaces. The Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) analysis revealed that 67% of residential areas exceed the recommended 1-km service radius, indicating significant gaps in spatial coverage. Notably, an inverse relationship was observed, with higher-density neighbourhoods experiencing lower accessibility to recreational facilities, highlighting inequity in provision. Overall, only 2.7% of the city’s land is allocated to recreational green spaces, offering just 4.1 m² per capita, well below the WHO (9 m²), EU (26 m²), and UN (30 m²) standards, as well as national planning guidelines of 5–10%. Landscape metrics further indicated a fragmented network, with a patch density of 26.77 patches/km², a low patch cohesion index of 9.73, and an average shape ratio of 0.56, reflecting irregular and ecologically weak green spaces. These results underscore a significant shortfall in both the quantity and spatial equity of recreational facilities. This study provides data-driven insights for urban planners and policymakers, emphasising the importance of prioritising green space development in densely populated areas and improving spatial planning to enhance urban livability, climate resilience, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).