A critical approach to Canakkale urban beaches: from the perspective of swimming water and landscape potential

Coasts are external spaces found in settlements in rural and urban areas around the world. The reduction in area per person with increasing population has made planning for use of these areas a sensitive topic. The potential for swimming and landscaping especially bring a significant dimension to coastal planning. The lack of research about this topic in the Çanakkale urban area means this study will both illuminate the vision for this concept in the city and similar studies, and results will contribute to the literature. The study investigated the use of beaches in the city in line with swimming water quality and landscape design and planning principles. Results obtained through statistical analysis (SPSS 15.0) of user trends determined with the conditional valuation method researched beaches in proximity to the urban texture of Çanakkale within the scope of swimming water and landscape principles and elements. The swimming water quality characteristics of these beaches were identified to be at very good and good levels. Within the scope of landscape design elements and planning principles, it was found that recreational facilities were insufficient and need to be developed. Within the scope of the conditional valuation method, linked to the provision of the determined criteria, the conceptualized beach model was predicted to have seasonal (July–August) income of nearly 2,000,000 TRY based on the desire to pay among users. This is significant in terms of making operations sustainable. Additionally, analysis results found the correlation between user desire to pay with beach criteria was significant, with high levels of correlation for the parameters of “shading and seating groups, care and maintenance, accessibility and planting”. In conclusion, it is emphasized that preserving the quality of swimming water at these beaches, making them sustainable, and optimizing beaches with landscaping components will increase public health and quality of life.