Green Areas and Outdoor Recreational Centres in Ibadan, Nigeria: An Appraisal

Abstract

Aim: To investigate outdoor recreational potentials and constraints in relation to forestry in five recreational sites within Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. Study design: The survey was purposively conducted in five (5) locations based on recreational potentials associated with forests and other green environments. Place and Duration of Study: Bower’s Tower; UI Zoological Gardens; Polo Club; Trans Amusement Park and Agodi Gardens between January and February, 2019. Methodology: Total enumeration of visitors who patronized the recreation sites during the course of the study was carried out. Structured questionnaires focused on demographic and perception of visitors on benefits and problems of the green recreational centres were sought. In all, 160 respondents were interviewed. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square to test for association between the demographic factors of respondents and their perceptions towards the benefits of green areas. Results: Most of the visitors were within 21- 40 years (57.5%) old; males (61.2%), unmarried/singles (48.8%) while 89.7% had a tertiary education. Recreational visitors spend between N500:00 and N2000:00 averagely per visit and were acquainted with environmental amelioration benefits such as shade, air purification and watershed protection. Visitors identified poor awareness as a major hindrance towards proper management of the centres. Age, marital status and academic qualifications had significant influence on how respondents spend their leisure using chi-square test at p = 0.01. Age (21–40years) is positively associated with outdoor recreation activities. Conclusion: Tourists in Ibadan are aware of multiple benefits associated with green space recreation. Also visitors of all ages and marital status visit green spaces for recreational activities.  It is recommended that efforts should be made by owner agencies to improve recreational facilities in the existing urban green areas such as tree planting for improved landscape and engage trained professionals for improved management.