Perceived Importance of Recreational Park within Residential Neighbourhood in Nigeria Cities

Abstract

Aims: The study focused on the importance of locating recreational park within residential area. It aims at assessing the social, environmental and physical planning implications of recreational park development on the residents. Methodology: The research purposively selected Victoria Garden City (VGC) where two recreational parks are located as the study area. From the 1431 household heads, 143 (10%) were randomly selected for questionnaire administration, while only 139 questionnaire was retrieved from the sampled household in the study area. The questionnaire inquired the socio-economic characteristics of the residents and their perceived importance of the identified parks in the study area. Data were analysed using Perception Index (PI). Result: Using PI, there were 6 basic factors that are perceived to be the important benefits or advantages of having recreational park in the residential area. These were; creation of place for recreation (4.906), serve as a social point of meeting (4.791), and prevention of wind force (wind breaker) (4.784). Others were promoting friendliness among residents (4.727), reduce/control soil erosion (4.727) as well as prevent idleness and social vices in the neighbourhood (4.604). Conclusion: The study concluded that action is urgently needed to ensure that recreational parks serve more residential neighbourhoods in the cities across Nigeria.