Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Analysis of the Social Function of Urban Parks and Factors Affecting the Presence of Social Groups (Case Study: Tabriz Metropolis)

Document Type : projects

Authors
1 PhD Student of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
2 Deputy of Research, Tabriz Municipality, Tabriz, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2026.586319.2777
Abstract
Urban parks, as part of public green spaces, play a crucial role in enhancing social interactions among citizens and improving urban livability. Despite their significance in recreation and leisure activities, evidence indicates that their social efficiency does not match their physical capacity. The main issue of this study is to analyze the level of social performance of urban parks in Tabriz and to identify the factors influencing the presence of different user groups in these spaces.The purpose is to evaluate the effects of physical and service components—such as furniture, green space, safety, services, management, sanitation, accessibility, physical and social safety—along with socio-cultural factors, on the social efficiency of the parks. The research method is descriptive–analytical, and the unit of analysis is the “park.” The statistical population includes 284 parks managed by the Tabriz Municipality across ten urban districts, all studied through a census approach. Data were collected using field questionnaires and expert observations, and the mean values for key indicators were calculated.

Findings demonstrate that, overall, the parks are in moderate to low condition. Indicators related to green space maintenance, such as irrigation, cleanliness, and planting, show acceptable performance, while cultural, social, accessibility, and specialized furniture aspects remain insufficient. Stepwise regression analysis reveals that only the sanitation variable has a direct effect on public attendance; for women and children, physical accessibility also plays a role.

Conclusion: Despite having adequate green infrastructure, Tabriz’s urban parks exhibit weak social performance and limited community interaction. This gap indicates a need to shift the management paradigm from “green space maintenance” toward “social space development.”
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 July 2026

  • Receive Date 12 June 2026
  • Accept Date 20 July 2026