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Inclusive public parks have an essential role in meeting the society members’ needs fairly and enhancing inclusion and social participation. Applying Universal Design (UD) approach to the elements of the public parks promotes inclusiveness, and eliminates physical obstacles. This study measures the UD application in Aswan’s Parks (Al-Salam, Al-Amal). The study adopted the descriptive-analytical approach, through the researchers' observations which were recorded by the study’s checklist according to UD requirements. This research aims at highlighting the role of UD in achieving inclusion, social participation, and sustainability in parks. Also, it aims at identifying the physical obstacles that prevent persons with low physical abilities (elderly, disabled, expectant mothers, and children) easy access and use of these parks. The results revealed that the case study Parks do not fully comply with UD requirements. The study concluded some important recommendations through which the UD approach can be achieved in the park's facilities, thus achieving inclusiveness in parks. Problem: The research issue lies in the actuality that community exclusion of classes of people, such as older people and disabled people, leads to their hardship in dealing with the urban environment and parks as well. Thus, designing societies and parks with Universal Design standards enables all society members to integrate and engage significantly. Importance: The significance of this research exemplifies that a universally designed community can benefit all people of different ages and abilities. Also, by designing parks and communities in light of UD standards that encourage older persons to socialize, and achieve social sustainability. Universally designed parks improve quality of life by providing wholesome environments as well. Objectives: This research aims to highlight the role of Universal Design in achieving inclusion, social participation, and sustainability in parks. Also, it aims to identify the physical obstacles that prevent persons with low physical abilities (elderly, disabled, expectant mothers, and children) from accessing and using those parks.
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