Health status of Gonabad city parks compared to standards and in people's opinion in terms of safety, hygiene and aesthetics

Given the importance of parks in urban habitats, health and safety is among important issues that ought to be considered in planning, implementation, management, and maintenance stage prior to occurrence of accidents, in order to meet citizen's needs. The study aims to assess status of Gonabad city parks in terms of safety, hygiene, and aesthetics. Study population consisted of people attending Gonabad city parks. A total of 384 questionnaires were distributed among people older than 15 years of age attending these parks on certain days. A checklist was prepared to assess how parameters matched standards. All parks in Gonabad city (8 parks) were studied. Data obtained from checklist and questionnaires. Mean standard of equipment and facilities in parks was found 43%. Ghori Park enjoyed the highest standard (67%), and Noghab park had the lowest (10%). The highest standard of equipment and facilities in Gonabad city parks was found in Ghori park (67%) and Melli park (60%), respectively, and the lowest standard in Noghab park (10%). Municipal managers should now take urgent measures to improve quality and safety of city parks.