COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF URBAN PARKS IN SANTA MARIA, RS

THE ITAIMBÉ PARK AND THE CAMPUS OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MARIA (UFSM)

Abstract

Urban parks offer a relief from the beuilt environment, connecting people to nature and alleviating urban chãos. Essential for sustainability and quality of life, They provide leisure, recreation, and improve urban space. In addition to reducing stress and promoting contemplation, parks contribute to social relations and environmental conservation. However, the distribution oh these spaces oftem reflects socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities. alleviating urban chaos. Essential for sustainability and quality of life, they provide leisure, recreation, and improve urban space. In addition to reducing stress and promoting contemplation, parks contribute to social relations and environmental conservation. However, the distribution of these spaces often reflects socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities. In Santa Maria (RS), the lack of planning has resulted in an uneven distribution of parks, concentrated in the city center. This article analyzes urban parks in Santa Maria in general and describes the existing infrastructure in its two most used parks. The study identified 12 parks, performing a more detailed analysis in the Itaimbé Park and Campus of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), located in the most densely populated areas. Both were characterized and compared based on 16 analysis criteria. The results show how parks influence and provide the population with different forms of interaction with their physical structures, urban furniture and resources, different social interactions and use and appropriation, playing an important role in the vitality of the city.