Evaluating the Role of Urban Green Spaces and Their Impact on Residents’ Well-Being in Baqubah City

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the role of urban green spaces and their impact on residents’ well-being in Baqubah City by analyzing their spatial distribution and assessing their contribution to enhancing the psychological, physical, and social well-being of the population. The study adopted descriptive, analytical, and inductive approaches, relying on data obtained from the Baqubah Municipality Directorate, the city's master plan, and a field survey conducted through a questionnaire administered to 355 residents. The findings revealed a marked disparity in the spatial distribution of green spaces among the neighborhoods of Baqubah City. Public parks covered a total area of 74,290 m² distributed across 21 parks, providing a per capita share of only 0.19 m², which is considerably below the adopted planning standards. In addition, four investment recreational parks were identified, occupying a total area of 219,430 m² and concentrated in a limited number of neighborhoods. The study also recorded 12 median green strips with a combined area of 83,342 m². Furthermore, the questionnaire results confirmed the positive role of green spaces in reducing daily stress, promoting physical activity, and improving the urban landscape of the city, despite their limited area and inadequate service levels The study concluded that a positive relationship exists between the availability of green spaces and residents’ well-being. Conversely, the evident shortage of such spaces and their uneven spatial distribution negatively affect urban quality of life. Accordingly, the study emphasizes the need for sustainable planning policies aimed at expanding green spaces, improving their efficiency, and ensuring a more equitable distribution across the city's neighborhoods.