Assessment of Urban Parks as an Age-friendly Infrastructure: A Study in the Context of Guwahati City, Assam

This study examines the role of parks as age-friendly open spaces in Guwahati city, Assam, India, through an analysis of 12 urban parks. Using mixed methods of inquiry, the research explores how people of different age cohorts—elderly (60 years and above), middle aged (30–59), youth (15–29), and children (0–14) utilize and perceive these spaces and whether parks contribute to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 11 (making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable) through exercise promotion, stress reduction, and community engagement. The findings reveal that while parks serve as vital community spaces, their effectiveness varies significantly based on safety features, accessibility, maintenance, and available amenities. Children prioritize safe play areas and interactive features, young adults value esthetic elements and social engagement, while older adults mostly emphasize the need for essential amenities like walking paths, ergonomic seating, drinking water filters, and toilets. The study identifies critical gaps regarding basic amenities, security measures, and inclusive design elements preferable for different age groups and specially-abled people. The study concludes that transforming parks into truly age-friendly spaces requires regular maintenance, enhanced safety measures, and thoughtful design that promotes intergenerational engagement while accommodating diverse user needs.