Distribution Pattern Analysis of Public Parks and accessibility in Essay

Distribution Pattern Analysis of Public Parks and accessibility in Madinah Using GIS Technique - Essay Example Distribution Pattern Analysis of Public Parks and accessibility in Madinah Using GIS Technique This research quantifies inequalities in green space accessibility to support long term spatial planning strategies that specifically address green space accessibility. The focus of this paper is the distribution and accessibility analysis of public parks with regard to all segments of the population. When there is a significant increase in population and urban growth in a region, the need for public places of recreation increases. For example, in Britain, the area dedicated to national parks and green areas is approximately 10,000 square miles, which represents 17% of England and Wales’ total area of. Increasing rates of urbanisation in Madinah have led to increased pressure on many of the services and facilities, especially green spaces and gardens which are a key requirement for high density neighbourhoods. Green space refers to an area of land or water mass that either remains in its natural form or is used for agricultural purposes . Green spaces are free from industrial, institutional, commercial and residential use and development. While most green spaces are publicly owned, others are private properties and consist of undeveloped coastal lands, undeveloped, scenic lands, public parks, forest lands and estuarine lands . In urban areas, however, where land development is predominant, green space may encompass areas such as wetlands, recreational areas, vacant lots or narrow corridors for walking or cycling. Cultural and historic resources also form part of green space in some countries. In addition, green space is crucial as it absorbs and expels pollutants from the environment, by acting as an urban heat sink thereby protecting urban biodiversity. As agricultural pressures on land increase through greater demands for land, green spaces are slowly becoming depleted (Forman 2005). However, as development becomes a key priority, more land that was previously set aside for agricultural purposes is being developed into residential or institution areas (Van, 2007). This has led to scarcity of green space, and access to the available few is hampered by the prospect of development. Access to green space is of paramount importance because of the unique contribution of green spaces to the quality of life, It is likely that they can then work to review development plans for gardens on an equitable basis to serve the citizens. Green spaces are important for improving the air quality during the day, ridding it of carbon dioxide and other pollutants; they also beautify the environment, create a soothing atmosphere, and protect people from the glare and heat of the sun (Kumagai.2011). For instance, green spaces allow for relaxation, way from the daily stresses of urban life such as hectic work schedules and traffic. Moreover, green spaces offer immense recreational opportunities like individual exercise and organised sports. Spending time in urban green spaces offers reprieve to urban dwellers. However, because of increasing urbanisation a nd access to green space and spatial planning policies with regard to densification, more urban dwellers face the prospect of living in areas with few or no green space resources. Governments and individual municipalities set up clear guidelines for access to green space (Smith et al.2002). The Green Belt is a policy for managing urban growth in the UK. The policy guidelines provide concise