نوع مقاله : علمی - پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 استادیار جغرافیا و برنامهریزی شهری دانشگاه حکیم سبزواری، سبزوار، ایران
2 دانش آموخته کارشناسی ارشد جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی شهری، دانشگاه فردوسی مشهد، مشهد، ایران
کلیدواژهها
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Over the past decades, the rapid expansion of cities has profoundly reshaped their spatial structure. Amongst the most remarkable consequences of this expansion is the inequitable distribution of urban amenities; recreational and sporting facilities as the most significant example. Since athletic and recreational engagement play a vital role in promoting both physical and mental well-being, it is a must to make it possible for all citizens enjoy fair access to these resources. Considering the issue this study endeavored to explore the spatial allocation of sports facilities in the city of Mashhad. The ultimate goal was to proposing viable strategies for amelioration. Accordingly, it tried to see the distribution of sports facilities over the heterogeneous zones of Mashhad and its correlation with population distribution and tenets of spatial justice. The following questions were posed: 1) Does the spatial distribution of sports facilities in Mashhad conform to principles of fairness?; 2) What is the relationship between population density and access to the facilities?; 3) What interventions can be used to mitigate the existing inequities?
The notion of spatial justice signifies the fair and impartial allocation of resources and opportunities in a single geographical context. Used in the realm of urban issues and services, this notion states that citizens should enjoy equitable access to diverse facilities, including the facilities provided for sport and recreation. The review of related literature evidently shows the existence of spatial inequalities in metropolitan settings
and their deleterious impact on the life quality of citizens. These studies highlight the critical significance of equitably distributed sporting facilities and show how the
absence of such equity may lead to the social and spatial challenges. The studies done on the Iranian urban context as well show that the uneven provision of public spaces, especially sports facilities, constitutes a pressing challenge and underscores the necessary due attention of authorities and urban planners. This study relied on these theoretical backgrounds and tried to offer applicable recommendations to enhance the current condition.
Method
This applied study was done taking a descriptive-analytical approach. The process of the research included reviewing the related literature on spatial justice and the distribution of urban services, collecting data on sports facilities in various areas of Mashhad, data analysis considering the spatial distribution of facilities, exploring the distribution pattern of sports facilities using ArcMap software and indicators such as density, clustering, and spatial autocorrelation, and examining the relationship between population density and the existence of sports facilities using Geoda software.
Result s
The results showed that the allocation of sports facilities of Mashhad is characterized by marked imbalance. The main results may be summarized as follows:
Uneven Distribution: Municipal Districts 2, 10 and 11 hold the greatest number of sports facilities, whereas Districts 8 and 12 hold the lowest. This issue indicates a pronounced spatial concentration of infrastructure rather than a uniform distribution.
Discrepancy with Population: No reasonable correlation exists between population density and the per-capita provision of sports facilities. In particular, peripheral or densely inhabited zones showed limited access to such services.
Spatial Clustering: The analysis of spatial clustering showed that sports facilities are more concentrated in specific zones and all people do not have equitable access to the facilities.
Self-correlation Analysis: The results pertaining to the self-correlation showed that even within highly populated districts there exist significant shortages of sports infrastructure, thus contravening the normative principles of spatial justice.
Comparison with Standard Per Capita: The per-capita provision of sports facilities in Mashhad falls substantially below national standards, signifying the necessity for considerable increase.
Incompatibility with Development Goals: The unequal distribution of sports facilities are not compatible with objectives of sustainable development and social justice.
Discussion and Conclusion
The findings of this study showed that the distribution of sports infrastructure of Mashhad is profoundly inequitable, and appears to contravene the major principles of spatial justice. The findings of this study are in line with the findings of other studies and confirm that the unequal distribution of public spaces is a great challenge in many cities of Iran. The concentration of sports spaces only in some areas causes inequality and imposes more pressure on the rich areas and worsens the conditions of the deprived areas. These inequalities will lead to dissatisfaction among citizens. The fair distribution of sports spaces should consider the real needs of people and spatial justice. It was proven that increasing the number of services is not enough, but they should be fairly distributed and all people have fair access to services. Based on the findings, the following issues are suggested:
The Quantity and Quality Increase of Sports Facilities: In light of the identified per-capita deficiency of sports infrastructure, it is a must to increase not only the number of such facilities but also their qualitative standards across the urban places;
Equitable Spatial Allocation of Sports Services: The provision of sports services should to be calibrated in accordance with the needs of population in each region, thereby ensuring a more balanced and responsive distribution;
Prioritized Attention to Marginalized and Densely Populated Zones: Particular emphasis should be placed upon underserved peripheral or high density areas. The development of sports facilities of these areas should be prioritized;
Promotion of Public Sport Modalities: The encouragement of publicly accessible sport provision, and the establishment of easily reachable facilities can expand citizen’s engagement in physical activity and reduce barriers to participation.
Urban Planning with Attention to Spatial Justice Approach: Urban service planning processes should be based on the principles of spatial justice, ensuring that decision-making and resource allocation promote equitable access to urban facilities for all people.
Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: The sustained monitoring of urban service distributions as well as with rigorous increase of effective interventions are essential in order to maintain transparency, accountability and adaptability in implementing related policies.
In conclusion, this investigation underscores that the realization of a just and sustainable urban area heavily relies on the equitable allocation of urban services and sports facilities is not an exception. Given the vital role of sport in public health and social
wellbeing, authorities should endeavor to make sure that all people enjoy fair and unhindered access to these kinds of resources.
کلیدواژهها English
