URBAN PARKS IN ANÁPOLIS (GO): BETWEEN REAL ESTATE VALUATION AND THE SOCIAL FUNCTION IN PUBLIC SPACES

Abstract

Urban parks are essential for the socio-spatial dynamics of cities, playing a fundamental role in the leisure and quality of life of the population. This article analyzes the distribution and social function of parks in the city of Anápolis-GO, focusing on how these spaces are appropriated and used by citizens. The research maps some parks, relating their historical and current location to themes of socio-spatial inequality, real estate speculation and the performance of the public power. The discussion is based on the understanding that, although urban policies often seek to democratize public space, in practice, these initiatives tend to reinforce inequalities. The analysis shows that parks located in more valued areas attract greater investment and activities, while those in peripheral regions face abandonment and contempt. Examples such as Parque da Cidade and Parque das Águas illustrate this disparity: the former, deteriorated and restricted to local use, reflects social exclusion, while the latter, well maintained, serves a diverse audience. The study concludes that the appropriation of parks by different social groups is influenced by political, economic and cultural factors, highlighting the need for a critical review of urban practices in Anápolis to promote a fairer distribution of public spaces. The research indicates that the valorization of urban space and sustainability discourses are linked to market interests, raising questions about the true social function of parks in the contemporary city.