Evaluation of Noise in Children's Playgrounds: The Case of Dokuma Park

Abstract

The increase in the world population and rapid urbanization cause different types of pollution such as air, water, soil and noise. Today, this situation significantly affects the quality of life in densely populated settlements both in the world and in Turkey. Noise pollution, which is one of the important types of pollution, especially in urban areas, is increasing day by day due to anthropogenic effects. Studies conducted by the European Noise Directive (END) show that noise pollution is one of the important factors that cause health problems. Parks are places that allow children trapped in the structural environment in urban life to get to know nature and play games in open spaces. In particular, the children's playgrounds in the parks allow children to play and socialize in the open area and also allow parents to rest. However, park users may be exposed to noise pollution due to high-level noises originating from vehicle traffic, user density, and children's playgrounds in these places. This situation adversely affects the physical and mental health of the park users. The aim of the research is to determine the noise level in children's playgrounds in parks and to develop suggestions for reducing this noise level. As a result of the preliminary studies carried out in this context, Antalya/Kepez Dokuma Park was determined as a research area. Zones were created at certain intervals around the children's playground in the research area. And noise levels were measured on weekdays and weekends from the noise measurement points determined in these zones. The results obtained show that the noise pollution caused by the children's playgrounds in the parks and environmental factors is at a high level. In this context, landscape design and planning proposals have been developed to reduce noise pollution from children's playgrounds and environmental factors.