Estimating recreational carrying capacity of Qom urban parks

Due to the increasing population and demands for recreational resources, estimating the caring capacity of such resources and sustainable use of these recourses is very important to human societies. The current paper investigated the recreational carrying capacity of four urban parks of Qom city including, Hashemi, Nabovat, Fadak, and Alavi park. The required data collected via questionnaire and climatic data from meteorology station of Qom. Finally, the physical, real and effective carrying capacity of the four selected parks was calculated. The result showed that Alavi had the highest and Nabovat the lowest recreational carrying capacity and management capacities play an important role in the estimated value of recreational carrying capacity. Results also showed that demand level is less than carrying capacity in winter and autumn seasons and weekdays. It increases in spring and summery seasons, weekend and holydays and after sunset and it exceeds the carrying capacity. So given the peak time of visit, the park's capacity must be tolerate this times and this issue should be considered in planning and management of parks. Therefore, park managers need to plan carefully for equal distribution of users in different seasons and times to reduce pressure on park resources and facilities.