Aims: Urbanization and the decline of environmental quality in neighborhoods have increased the importance of urban green spaces in improving residents’ vitality and quality of life. This study aimed to explain the role of urban green space quality in the vitality and quality of life of users of four selected parks in Piranshahr.

Methods: This applied study was conducted using an explanatory mixed-methods design. In the quantitative phase, data were collected through a questionnaire completed by 200 users of Khayyam, Niloufar, Laleh, and Farhang parks and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. In the qualitative phase, 16 short semi-structured interviews and field observations were conducted, and the data were examined through coding and thematic analysis.

Findings: The results showed that sensory perceptions were the strongest predictor of quality of life, with a beta coefficient of 0.906, and vitality, with a beta coefficient of 0.663. The quality-of-life model explained 78.9% and the vitality model explained 68.8% of the variance in the dependent variables. Social interactions also had a positive and significant effect on both variables. The qualitative findings showed that users mainly perceived park quality through environmental calmness, landscape beauty, shade, vegetation, opportunities for staying, family presence, everyday interactions, and perceived safety.

Conclusion: Improving urban parks should move beyond increasing physical facilities and should focus on pleasant sensory experience, social interaction, perceived safety, opportunities for staying, and human-centered design.