Investigating the Environmental Effects of Recreational Functions Along the River in Babolsar City

When using the capacities of urban rivers, attention should be paid to maintaining the balance between the ecological capacity of the river, the interests of economic stakeholders and the needs of different social groups. The present study investigated the environmental effects of recreational activities along the river in Babolsar. Since most of these functions are located in the riverbed and have become an integral element of the ecosystem and its landscape, questions arise about their effects on the environment and the quality of use of public spaces along the river. Some questions include: What are the effects of exploiting the space capacities along the river in the form of existing recreational functions on the environment and the landscape of the river bank? And, in response to these effects, what range of users' needs do they meet? Or, what effect do these recreational activities have on the quality of citizens' use of other public spaces along the river? This research has tried to answer such questions through field observations and analysis of findings with the help of statistical tests. Findings show that hospitality and recreational uses along the river, despite the adverse impact on the river ecology, have not been able to provide a desirable and safe public space for some users and stakeholders, including youth, women and children. In addition, by being located in the river and destroying its landscape, they have even had a negative impact on the use of public spaces along the river.