A Study on Ecosystem Service Perception and User Preferences: The Case of Arhavi Shore Park

Abstract

Parks, which are an important part of urban ecosystems, are areas that provide direct and indirect ecosystem services to the city and its citizens. For the sustainability of these areas and the ecosystem services they provide, it is also important to determine the preferences of the users of the area and the perceptions of the services provided by the areas. From this point of view, Arhavi Beach Park was chosen as the study area. In the study, observation technique was used to determine user density and preferences, and questionnaire technique was used to determine user preferences and perceptions. The questionnaire was conducted online with 310 participants. Results showed that the study area is used at least once a week, is used more intensively in the afternoon and evening, mostly used in summer, walking, jogging, etc. were more preferred activities. Spatially, it was determined that walking paths and children's playground and its surroundings were more preferred. These findings are consistent with the findings obtained from the observation study. In the light of the findings obtained from the questionnaire, it can be said that the users of the shore park perceive the provisioning, regulation, supporting, and especially cultural ecosystem services provided by the park. In the light of the findings obtained in the study, some suggestions were proposed to increase the perception levels of the ecosystem services by the park, as well as the spatial solutions that the park can be used in all seasons. It is thought that preference and perception studies will be a guide for designers, planners, and managers.