Urban forests are not only woodlands or groups of trees, but also individual trees, street trees, trees in parks, trees in derelict corners, and gardens. All of which are located in urban and peri-urban areas and diversify the landscape and provide a wide range of social benefits. Sensory gardens play a specific therapeutic and preventive role. Designing such gardens as a recreational infrastructure element can successfully enrich urban forests. Following the principles of universal design may provide enjoyment for all city-dwellers, with special attention given to the needs of individuals with disabilities. We studied 15 gardens and one sensory path located in various regions in Poland. The inventory was carried out on the basis of the features considered important in spatial orientation by blind and partially sighted people. The results showed that the solutions used were only partly adequate for the needs of selected users. We found neither tactile walking surface indicators (e.g., communication lines and terrain), spatial models, nor applications in mobile devices. However, these could be useful for all visitors. We confirmed that although problems with the use of forest tourist space are dependent on the type of disability, by implementing the idea of universal design for all elements of recreational infrastructure, forests may be accessible for all users.
The category of green areas which intensify feelings using a small area includes sensory gardens. They also have major potential for eliminating stress symptoms and stimulating sensory feelings among people with disabilities. Sensory gardens, as an element of universal recreational development in urban and suburban conditions, can perfectly fulfill social, educational, and therapeutic functions. Their distinguishing feature is a strong influence on non-visual senses. Spaces that are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities give a sense of security, provide greater independence, can be used for passive and active therapy, and constitute a zone of social inclusion. Sensory gardens can be considered as an example of a comprehensive development of green areas that meets the requirements of universal design. The presented study is a review. The authors show that providing urban communities with a form of therapeutic contact with nature through the use of urban forests is very important of improving their quality of life. Special attention was paid to the potential of sensory gardens in the designing of forms of recreational development, which may be an opportunity to reduce the process of social exclusion of people with disabilities in the local environment.
The article addresses the question of adapting public spaces, including parks and gardens, to the needs of people with disabilities for the purpose of outdoor recreation. According to the principles of universal design, public spaces should enable social inclusion, which implies respect for current needs of diverse populations. The study described in the article focuses on the needs of people with vision impairment regarding outdoor recreation and adjustments that need to be made in the infrastructure of parks and gardens. The aim of the study was to answer three key questions: (1) How can outdoor experiences be made accessible to people with visual impairments? (2) How can outdoor experiences be encouraged, rethought and redesigned for people with visual impairments? (3) What barriers stop people with visual disabilities from participating in outdoor leisure in sensory gardens? These questions are answered using insights from desk research, data from an inventory of selected sensory gardens and interviews with blind and partially sighted respondents. The study, conducted between June and August 201, covered 15 gardens located in various parts in Poland: in cities, rural areas and areas of natural value. The interviews, involving 32 respondents, were held directly in the gardens in cooperation with the Polish Association for the Blind. The results were used to formulate recommendations for good practice in the field of universal garden design, which can provide sensory experiences for everyone, including people with visual impairments. The observed development of sensory gardens seems to reflects a great interest in this type of outdoor sites, which are conducive to recreation, education, integration, and social inclusion. Solutions applied in sensory gardens should provide inspiration for creating universal gardens, accessible to everyone.
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