An analysis of urban green spaces – a case study in Poland and Slovakia

Abstract

Motives: Rapid urbanisation and the associated spatial, environmental, and economic changes have shifted the researchers’ attention to modern cities. Urban green spaces are a vital component of sustainable development because they reduce noise, purify air, improve the local climate and rainwater quality, and provide numerous recreational and relaxation opportunities for the residents. The implementation of the green city concept can have a positive impact on both the environment and the quality of life in a city. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse changes in the landscape and surface of urban green spaces, to present the structure of green areas, and to identify change trends in urban green spaces in the Polish city of Toruń and the Slovak city of Košice. The ecological resilience of the studied areas was also examined. Results: The results of the study indicate that the area occupied by urban green spaces (including urban green areas, sport and leisure facilities, and forests) continues to expand in the studied cities. The rate of increase was much higher, but still low, in the Slovak city of Košice. The analysis of change trends revealed that most industrial and commercial areas were developed in urban green spaces. At the same time, new green spaces were created mainly at the expense of semi-natural areas. Both Toruń and Košice are characterised by average landscape stability.