EVALUATING AND MAPPING TRAFFIC-INDUCED NOISE POLLUTION IN URBAN PARKS IN THE CITY OF KAHRAMANMARAS, TURKEY

The aim of this research was to analyze the traffic-induced noise in urban parks and to develop urban green space planning approaches. Forty-three measurements were collected in five parks that differed in their physical structures and environmental conditions. The measurements have been compared with the cut-off value proposed by the WHO (55 dBA). GIS-based maps were produced to evaluate the spatial distribution of noise. The findings indicated that the distance from urban areas and the size of the parks were the main determinants of the level of noise pollution, and building parks outside of urban areas can be the most convenient method to protect the visitors from noise pollution. However, building the parks in an urban area is an essential planning method that can facilitate the access to the parks. Therefore, it is crucial to design and build large noise free park zones, regardless of whether they are located in or out of the urbanized area. Finally, to effectively decrease the effects of noise on people in urban parks, well-textured evergreen perennial, shrub, and tree species should surround the roadsides of the parks.