Integrating public perception and quantitative metrics for improved urban park planning in Isfahan, Iran

This study delves into the intricate realm of public perception regarding urban parks, aiming to uncover key factors influencing this perception and offer insights for urban planning and park management in Isfahan City, Central Iran. A comprehensive survey was conducted across 63 urban parks, gathering subjective feedback from park visitors on park size, vegetation, and exposure to external disturbances. Objective metrics were the area of the park, the mean and stdev of the Sentinel-2 NDVI as measures of vegetation density and diversity, respectively, distance to other parks and the park perimeter-to-area ratio. Linear and non-linear regression analysis between subjective feedback and objective metrics revealed that satisfaction peaks in parks with sizes of 15 ha or more. Higher vegetation density maximizes satisfaction. Parks with simpler, more regular shapes tend to offer a greater sense of freedom from external disruptions. According to the Generalized Additive Model model (R²= 0.737, explained deviance = 77.1 %), lush and healthy vegetation is often associated with attractive and inviting parks, especially in parks with simpler, more regular shapes that minimize the exposure to (noise and visual) disturbances. Such green and circular park designs can guide urban planners and managers in creating inviting and user-friendly parks, aligning with public expectations.