Abstract:
Green space, in the form of parks is an integral part of c\'ery city. By om:ring
oppornmities for recreation, reflection, and relaxation, parks improve community
health and increase property values. They provide habitat for numerous species of
animals and plants, and cool city air through transpiration and evaporation
The need for parks in cities is increasing with the rises in longevity, mobility and
leisure of the growing proportion of people who live in urban arc, s. Besides, cities
experience increasing signs of environmental stress like air and noise pollution,
traffic congestion etc, In this situation parks and green spaces are very essential
inside the city for its environmental and ecological balance.
This research focuses on the importance of parks in this city and how they contribute
to healthy and 3afe living. The study also investigates reasons that prevent the
re~idents from using parks,'
The study has been divided into two parts. In one part parks h<lve been selected
according to their size, and nature for user survey. In other part household in the
vicinity of the selected parks has been selected for nOll-USersurvey.
Primary and secondary matcrials have been used to analpe the available
information and to examine tbe condition of existing parks in I'haka city, socia
economic status of park users, their use pattern and activity.
Dhaka covers an area of 1530sq km. The city is experiencing a massive population
growth, cstimated by the UN at 6.9% between 1974 and 2000, resulting in immea~e
lll"banization, This unparallelcd population explosion is projectcd, "ith an annual
growth rate of 3.6%, to result in 21.1 million people living in Dhaka by 2015. But
One does hardly find enough open and.green space to relax after wnole day's h'lrd
voiork.
Moreover, rapid groV\1h of population and increased urbanization havc given rise to
a number of urban environmental problems. Thus at the end of day people find some
space where they have sitting, walking, enjoying opportunity with soft nature. The
scope of this study is confined to the importance and existing condition of urban
parks in Dhaka City.
The main finding is that most of the park visitors are men. Due to lack of security
and proper maintenance number of children and women visitors is very poor, The
srndy also found that general public is too much aware of their li,ing environment.
Thc alert citizen support Dhaka needs enough provision of ::lark to increase
recreational facilities, for climatic amelioration, to reduce social and environmental
pollution and for physical and mental \vdl being.
The contribution of parks to provide comfort to city dwellers by im lroving the urban
environment and existing condition of parks in Dhaka also has been discussed.
