Perception of green park areas in the infrastructure of public spaces in the urban environment: results of a sociological analysis

This article examines the key role of green parks in creating a comfortable urban environment, highlighting their environment-forming, protective, sanitary, aesthetic, recreational, and social functions. The primary role of green spaces is to create a protective barrier between the city and the surrounding environment, filtering air and water, maintaining biodiversity, and regulating the microclimate. They also serve as a place for rest and recreation, offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Residents of cities and residential communities require more equipped green parks within walking distance, but existing areas often fail to meet standards. Green space management is a promising area for achieving sustainable development goals, and the reconstruction of public spaces, where greenery plays a key role, should be a priority. The article presents the results of a sociological survey conducted to examine the opinions of city residents and visitors on the importance of green spaces in the urban environment and suburban cottage communities, as well as to assess the impact of parks on quality of life, the role of greenery in the modern city, and the creation of sustainable ecosystems. The study's novelty lies in the fact that the analysis of residents' opinions on green parks allowed us to determine how often residents and visitors visit parks in suburban and inner-city areas, their importance to them, and to identify problems and suggestions for improving these areas to create comfortable and convenient spaces while preserving the natural and ecological balance. Green space planning should be comprehensive and take into account the specific features of urban areas, with plant selection favoring native species better adapted to the individual characteristics of the territories for the sustainable development of the urban system. The article highlights the complementary elements of green spaces around cities and green parks within the urban environment, which play an important role in creating a favorable environmental environment and improving the quality of life. Both categories aim to provide access to nature and improve environmental performance, but have significant features and differences.