Urban forests are not only woodlands or groups of trees, but also individual trees, street trees, trees in parks, trees in derelict corners, and gardens. All of which are located in urban and peri-urban areas and diversify the landscape and provide a wide range of social benefits. Sensory gardens play a specific therapeutic and preventive role. Designing such gardens as a recreational infrastructure element can successfully enrich urban forests. Following the principles of universal design may provide enjoyment for all city-dwellers, with special attention given to the needs of individuals with disabilities. We studied 15 gardens and one sensory path located in various regions in Poland. The inventory was carried out on the basis of the features considered important in spatial orientation by blind and partially sighted people. The results showed that the solutions used were only partly adequate for the needs of selected users. We found neither tactile walking surface indicators (e.g., communication lines and terrain), spatial models, nor applications in mobile devices. However, these could be useful for all visitors. We confirmed that although problems with the use of forest tourist space are dependent on the type of disability, by implementing the idea of universal design for all elements of recreational infrastructure, forests may be accessible for all users.

The aim of the study was to define the conditions that have to be met to ensure that a sensory path or a sensory garden is a universal space, which supports well-being in the outdoor sites to the blind and partially sighted. There were two methods used: field inventory of parks as well as interviews with blind and partially sighted people. The research was carried out in 2018 in 16 locations in Poland. The study confirmed the usability of previous recommendations in the field, especially regarding stimulation of the senses of hearing, smell and touch. The access to the place and the composition of the garden as well as the choice of plants must be planned in a way that allows the independent usage of the blind and partially sighted, which includes contrasting colours and elevated elements. Basic facilities in terms of spatial orientation, safety and information must be provided. However, the attractiveness of the garden in terms of entertainment and the well-being of visitors is also of great importance.

Sensory gardens have been known since antiquity, but they are becoming more and more important in terms of smart city development. The article presents a literature review on the diverse functions of sensory gardens, the concept of a smart and green city, and the sensory garden as a new form of urban green spaces (UGS). The aim of the research was to identify expectations regarding the development of modern gardens in urban spaces, in the context of a smart city. The primary data collection method was social surveys on the expectations regarding the development of parks and city gardens, carried out among the inhabitants of Poland and Russia. The studied sample had a total of 230 people. The research was conducted in January 2021 using an internet survey. The questions were both open and closed, and related to issues such as: (1) the most important features of gardens and city parks; (2) the definition of a sensory garden; (3) the main functions that gardens and city parks should fulfil in the future. The results of the conducted research confirmed the adopted hypothesis that sensory gardens as green enclaves with different functions constitute new, prospective forms of development of urban green spaces in smart sustainable cities. The social needs for urban green spaces are clear and reflect current environmental problems regarding the quality of atmospheric air and access to green spaces in the vicinity. The respondents agree that the most important features of gardens and parks include fresh air and the possibility of resting. Keywords: green city, sustainable city, smart city, urban areas, sensory gardens; smart green city, smart green integration, and smart gardens.

The category of green areas which intensify feelings using a small area includes sensory gardens. They also have major potential for eliminating stress symptoms and stimulating sensory feelings among people with disabilities. Sensory gardens, as an element of universal recreational development in urban and suburban conditions, can perfectly fulfill social, educational, and therapeutic functions. Their distinguishing feature is a strong influence on non-visual senses. Spaces that are adapted to the needs of people with disabilities give a sense of security, provide greater independence, can be used for passive and active therapy, and constitute a zone of social inclusion. Sensory gardens can be considered as an example of a comprehensive development of green areas that meets the requirements of universal design. The presented study is a review. The authors show that providing urban communities with a form of therapeutic contact with nature through the use of urban forests is very important of improving their quality of life. Special attention was paid to the potential of sensory gardens in the designing of forms of recreational development, which may be an opportunity to reduce the process of social exclusion of people with disabilities in the local environment.

Turystyka to istotny element życia osób z niepełnosprawnościami, nie tylko podnoszący jakość życia, ale także stanowiący okazję do włączenia ich w życie społeczne. To, czy osoby z niepełnosprawnościami uprawiają turystykę, zależy jednak od jej dostępności. W artykule poruszono kwestię oceny dostępności przestrzeni turystycznej oraz procesu wypracowywania kryteriów tej oceny, jak również ich podziału. Wykorzystanie narzędzia, jakim jest katalog kryteriów oceny dostępności przestrzeni turystycznej dla osób z niepełnosprawnościami, może przyczynić się do zwiększenia tej dostępności.

W artykule przedstawiono problem integracji społecznej osób z niepełnosprawnością w kontekście turystyki i krajoznawstwa. Opisano dotychczasowe działania, podejmowane przez środowisko akademickie w celu porządkowania oraz upowszechniania wiedzy dotyczącej tego zjawiska. Następnie omówiono pojęcia integracji i inkluzji społecznej oraz korzyści, jakie przynosi włączenie turystyki i krajoznawstwa w oba wspomniane procesy. Przedstawiono również wątpliwości i trudności związane z organizacją wspólnych wyjazdów turystycznych dla osób z niepełnosprawnością i bez niej.