Urban parks are crucial public areas that offer a multitude of advantages to communities. These spaces provide recreational activities, enhance property values, and contribute to economic growth, ultimately enriching the lives of residents and the community as a whole. This study specifically investigates the complex issue of perceived safety in urban parks in Iran, focusing on how various factors shape users' experiences. This study aims to evaluate the relationships between the overall sense of safety or insecurity in public spaces and various factors, including the demographics of park users, the types of activities that take place, and environmental conditions. To achieve this, we employed a custom-designed questionnaire that assessed user demographics, common park activities, perceived safety factors, and environmental conditions. The findings underscore the intricate aspects of perceived safety in urban parks, emphasizing the importance of environmental elements like lighting quality, park upkeep, and signage in positively influencing users' sense of security. The results revealed that participants expressed concerns about their perceived safety in urban parks across Iranian cities, especially during nighttime and for those who visit alone. Notably, demographic factors such as gender and age significantly impact perceived safety, with women and older individuals expressing heightened unease in certain park settings. Additionally, the proximity of parks to users' homes significantly influences their sense of security. The study highlights the necessity of considering diverse environmental and demographic factors to create safe and inclusive urban green spaces that cater to the needs of all community members.
