Espaços livres, acessos restritos: análise crítica da caminhabilidade e visibilidade nos parques urbanos campinenses

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the accessibility to urban parks in Campina Grande, Paraíba, considering the conditions of walkability and visibility in their surroundings. It is based on the observation that, although parks play a fundamental role in urban quality, many of them were implemented without articulation with the surrounding urban fabric, resulting in spaces that are poorly connected and difficult to access. The research adopts a quantitative approach, based on field survey and spatial analysis, with the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools. Ten urban parks were evaluated, with the delimitation of their walkable and visible surroundings from the construction of thematic maps. The walkability analysis was conducted based on criteria such as sidewalk width, extension, paving, lighting, afforestation, slope, tactile flooring, accessible ramps and barriers. The visibility of the lots was evaluated based on the presence and configuration of the interfaces visible from the public spaces, such as occupancy, uses, facades, walls, templates and setbacks. The results reveal great variation in accessibility conditions between the parks. While some have good infrastructure and higher spatial quality, others concentrate high percentages of segments classified as low or very low in terms of walkability and visibility. The Linear Park of Dinamérica, with the best walkability indicators, and the Juvenal de Oliveira Park, with the worst results, stand out. Regarding visibility, Parque da Liberdade had the highest average, while Parque Ecológico de Bodocongó had the lowest indexes. The research reinforces the importance of public policies aimed at the qualification of urban free spaces, highlighting the need for specific interventions to expand accessibility, promote greater integration with the surroundings and guarantee the right to the city for all inhabitants.