Urban and Peri-Urban Parks in Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo

Tropical cities such as Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic face a sustained increase in temperatures due to climate change, accelerated urbanization, and the reduction of green areas, resulting in a significant decrease in permeable surfaces. These conditions intensify thermal stress, leading to a deterioration of thermal comfort in public spaces and negatively affecting health, well-being, and urban habitability. In this context, urban and peri-urban parks play a fundamental role as microclimatic regulators; however, their effectiveness depends on factors such as tree density, urban morphology, ventilation, and solar exposure. In response to this issue, a comparative study was conducted to understand the thermal behavior of representative parks in both cities.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the microclimatic conditions and thermal stress levels of urban and peri-urban parks in Santiago de los Caballeros and Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), identifying the factors that influence thermal comfort and comparing environmental performance between both urban contexts.

The research was carried out through in situ measurements at different times of the day (morning, midday, and afternoon), in both sun-exposed areas and shaded zones. Specialized instruments were used, including: WBGT thermal stress meter, FLIR E5xt thermographic camera, Infrared thermometer, Solar radiation meter y Wind speed anemometer

Parks with different morphological characteristics and levels of vegetation were selected in both cities, allowing for a comprehensive comparison between contrasting urban microclimates.

The findings show that the thermal load experienced by users in public spaces is significantly high in sun-exposed areas, with solar radiation values reaching 600–900 W/m² and radiant temperatures exceeding 50–55°C, generating high to extreme thermal stress levels (WBGT > 29°C) during the central hours of the day.

The study confirms that urban thermal stress is high in both cities and that direct solar exposure is the most determining factor in generating discomfort. Vegetation, particularly broad-canopy trees, is the most effective element for mitigating solar radiation and improving thermal comfort; however, its effectiveness also depends on urban morphology, cross-ventilation, and the materials present in the surrounding environment.

The results highlight the need to integrate bioclimatic strategies into the design and rehabilitation of urban parks, including increased tree canopy coverage, shading structures, the use of pavements that reduce heat absorption, and green corridors that enhance ventilation. The analysis provides essential technical evidence to inform urban climate adaptation policies and improve the thermal resilience of public spaces in the Dominican Republic.