SOCIO-SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF PEDESTRIAN PROXIMITY AND ACCESSIBILITY TO GREEN AREAS IN CULIACÁN ROSALES

Abstract

This paper analyzes the proximity and pedestrian accessibility to the urban parks Ernesto Millán Escalante (EME) and Botanical Garden-Ecological Park in Culiacán Rosales. The spatial and socioeconomic context is considered at different service radii to identify spatial inequalities and their impact on various age groups. The methodology combines an assessment of sidewalk accessibility with population distribution analysis, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and analyze indicators such as sidewalk quality, ramps, pedestrian crossings, and urban lighting. The results show that EME Park, located in a very low marginalization area, has medium to low accessibility levels. In contrast, the Botanical Garden-Ecological Park, located in a low marginalization area, has better accessibility, although with inequalities in peripheral areas. Due to the lack of detail in the INEGI data regarding pedestrian infrastructure, the study suggests the need to collect physical data and local perceptions to complement the analysis. This work stands out for its comprehensive approach, combining proximity and accessibility analysis and the use of GIS techniques in a Latin American context. The findings highlight the influence of proximity and accessibility on user mobility, emphasizing the importance of the socioeconomic context in achieving equitable urban planning.