Evaluation of recreational preferences of urban residents in Artvin (Turkey) in relation to sustainable urban development

Abstract

As the result of rapid technological development and human population growth, urban people often live in environments that do not meet their physiological and psychological needs. Instead, they use rural or natural areas outside of cities to meet these needs, causing damage to such areas. Yet, within a healthy city, there are green areas that offer recreational opportunities for city dwellers. Unless a balance is found between artificial and natural elements and landforms in a city, it is not possible to create quality urban ecosystems. In this study, the preferences of people living in the city of Artvin, Turkey, were determined in terms of recreational space in urban and rural areas. Visits by people living in the city centre were investigated, as well as their preferred areas in the city and its close proximity, and recreational activities in these areas were determined. Concrete suggestions are offered to create a greenway circulation, where green areas are maintained to create a healthy urban ecosystem.

Keywords:

• recreation
• urban ecosystems
• greenway

Acknowledgements

We thank the administrators of the national parks branches in Artvin for their kind assistance during the fieldwork and also the numerous anonymous individuals who participated in the survey.