Research Article

A Study on Sustainable Development through Inclusive and Friendly Urban Park Design: A Case Study of Wenxin Forest Park Taichung City

Pei-Yu Wang 1 * , Nan-Yu Jhu 2, Liang Tseng 3
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1 Department of Construction Planning and Engineering, College of Construction, Feng Chia University, Taichung City 407102, Taiwan2 Department of Land Management, College of Construction, Feng Chia University, Taichung City 407102, Taiwan3 School of Architecture, Feng Chia University, Taichung City 407102, Taiwan* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection, 6(2), June 2026, 1-7, https://doi.org/10.35745/ijesp2026v06.02.0002
Submitted: 21 December 2025, Published: 30 June 2026
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ABSTRACT

This study examines Wenxin Forest Park in Taichung City as a case study to evaluate the availability and effectiveness of barrier-free facilities, age-friendly environments, and pet-friendly spaces within an urban park. The research further assesses how inclusive design principles are implemented in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.7, which advocates equitable access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green spaces. A mixed qualitative–quantitative approach was adopted, incorporating on-site observations, facility measurements, and systematic classification and comparison with relevant regulatory standards to examine facility configuration, usability, and compliance. The results indicate that while the park demonstrates a basic level of inclusive design, several limitations persist. Parking space arrangements do not fully meet current regulations, only two of the four main entrances are equipped with tactile paving (50% compliance), the proportion of accessible restroom stalls (4:14) is below recommended standards, and age-friendly seating accounts for only 5% of total resting facilities. In addition, although designated pet areas are provided, the large-dog zone (384 m²) does not reach the suggested minimum size. Overall, the findings suggest that further improvements are needed in facility proportionality, spatial organization, and responsiveness to diverse user groups. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of strengthening barrier-free guidance continuity, expanding elder-friendly facilities, and refining the scale and management of pet-friendly spaces to support more inclusive and sustainable urban public environments.
Keywords: Urban parks, Inclusive design, Barrier-free facilities, Age-friendly environment, Pet-friendly spaces, SDG 11.7

CITATION (APA)

Wang, P.-Y., Jhu, N.-Y., & Tseng, L. (2026). A Study on Sustainable Development through Inclusive and Friendly Urban Park Design: A Case Study of Wenxin Forest Park Taichung City. International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection, 6(2), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijesp2026v06.02.0002

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