The Role Of Urban Parks For The Sustainable City: - The Case Of Hargeisa City, Somaliland

Abstract

Parks contribute to urban, environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Parks are vital for the environment and the people living in the cities. So, the main objective of this research is to discuss the effect of parks on the urban environment, the social demands, their role in sustainable cities, and propose urban parks for sustainability, especially Hargeisa City, the capital of Somaliland. To achieve this main objective the researcher, collected data from both primary and secondary sources and analyzed it. The primary sources are the community and officials, whereas the secondary sources are documents such as the structural and master plan of the town and related literature. So, after analyzing the data, the result of the study reveals that the community's most pressing needs in the city is parks when they need to take their free time. Likewise, it reveals that the parks can contribute to social integration and strengthen relationships between the community. The research is also exposing how parks can contribute to public health. Also, the research? results show that people can take advantage of the parks by walking or exercising to improve their health. It similarly embraces in the research that the parks can participate in both public and private meetings. Hence, the research? results show that the parks play an essential role in the refreshment and relaxation of the community, which promotes the mental stability of the community that uses the parks. The research also concluded that the parks could contribute to environmental sustainability and promote environmental development. Similarly, the research concludes that the parks play a good role in reducing urban temperatures, increasing oxygen, and increasing shade and reforestation in the city. Furthermore, the research concludes that the parks contribute by reducing air pollution and accessing fresh air. It is concluded that the parks could make the city spaces that are environmentally friendly and creditable. Finally, the research recommends that the parks of Hargeisa city need development in many directions, such as increasing the space, lighting, greenery, and adding sports facilities, walkable places, and unique places for children It is also proposed a park design that is suitable for Hargeisa city.