This research aims to assess the practices and challenges of the utilization and management of Public Recreational Parks in Addis Ababa City Government.
For the sake of achieving the objectives of this study, data were collected using questionnaires, interview and focus group and field observation and were analyzed using statistical analysis such as descriptive Analysis, Statistical Tests Mann-Whitney Test (U-test), Kurskal Wallis test and Regression Analysis: Binary Logit were used to analyze the data. The information gleaned through questionnaire from a sample of 271 Public Recreational Parks, and Employees from Bihere-Tsige Park, Sheger Park Yeka Park, Gola Park, Addis Ketema and Park Kolfe Park. Moreover, information also gathered through questionnaires from 54 Employees of the Agency and Sample Sub-City Offices. A face-to-face interview was conducted with 6 managers of Public Recreational Parks. The six Recreational Parks were selected purposively based on their performance indicating the service facilities and number of visitors and the lists are taken from different sub-cities to make variation.
Samples of visitors were selected using purposive sampling technique. While employees of in the agency and sub-city office (the entire population) are since very small, census was applied to consider all the population as the respondents. Based on findings, recommendations emanating from the study are forwarded to build up the address the utilization and management of Public problems of Recreational Parks such as the integration of the relevant institutions at city level specifically of the Agency with Bureau of Land Development and Management should be improved for the success of the public recreational park projects specifically, and success of the development plans of the city in general. It was also recommended to improve social services to the residents. Besides, there is also a need to formulate clear and updated policy and guideline to provide standard services to maximum utilization of existing recreational parks, safe guarding recreational parks from being changed to other urban land uses and set a strategy to reclaim the already grabbed open spaces.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Basic Research Questions
1.4 Objectives of the Study
1.4.1 General Objectives
1.4.2 Specific Objectives
1.5 Significances of the Study
1.6 Scope of the research
1.7 Limitation of the Study
1.8 Definition of Key Terms
1.9 Dissemination Strategy
1.10 Organization of the Study
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Definition of Public Recreational Parks
2.3 The Importance of Public Recreational Parks for City Residents
2.3.1. The Public Health Benefits of Parks
2.3.2. The Social Benefits of Parks
2.4. Factors Contributing to Underutilization of Public Recreational Parks
2.4.1 Design of the Park
2.4.2. Accessibility as a Factor
2.4.3. Geographic Accessibility and Perceived Accessibility
2.4.4. Sense of Welcome and Context as Factors
2.4.5. Activities Undertaken by Visitors in Parks as Factors
2.5. Use of Indicators in Recreation Park Management
2.6. Challenges in the Managing Recreational Parks
2.7. Empirical Review
2.8. Conceptual Framework
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Description of the Public Recreational Parks in Addis Ababa
3.3. Research Design and Approach
3.4. Population and Sampling
3.4.1. Population and Sampling Frame
3.4.2. Sampling Techniques and Sample Size
3.5. Data Type and Sources
3.6. Data Collection Instruments
3.6.1. Questionnaire
3.6.2. Interview
3.6.3. Field Observation
3.7. Data Analysis
3.7.1. Quantitative Data Analysis
3.7.2. Qualitative Data Analysis
3.8. Data Presentation
3.9. Operational Definition of Variables
3.9.1. Independent Variables
3.9.2. Dependent Variable
3.10. Ethical Considerations
4. DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Reliability and Validity of the Instrument
4.3. Data Presentation and Analysis
4.3.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
4.3.2. The Practice of Public Recreational Park Management
4.3.3. Factors Affecting the Utilization of Recreational Park
4.3.4 Determinants of Satisfaction of a Park User: Logit Regression Result
4.3.5. Challenges of Public Recreational Parks
4.3.6. Mann-Whitney Test Results
5. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Summary of Findings
5.3 Conclusion
5.4 Recommendations
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to investigate the utilization and management practices of Public Recreational Parks within the Addis Ababa City Government, specifically focusing on identifying current operational challenges and determining factors that influence park user satisfaction. The study seeks to provide empirical evidence to inform city administration on necessary policy interventions for improved park services.
- Management practices of existing Public Recreational Parks in Addis Ababa.
- Determinants of park utilization and visitor satisfaction.
- Impact of socio-demographic factors and park accessibility on user experiences.
- Institutional and operational challenges hindering effective park service delivery.
- Potential strategic interventions for the preservation and development of urban green spaces.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4.1 Design of the Park
The benefits that urban residents gain from utilizing Recreational Park facilities are dependent on the design of the Park. According to Kemperman and Timmermans (2011) Recreational Park design should consider physical and emotional accessibility as one of the critical characteristics of the Park. Physical access includes users being able to reach the Park either on foot or using private cars, buses and taxis. Barriers such as fencing around the Park, unattractive facilities or the feeling of being insecure can compromise accessibility. Other factors that need to be considered in Park design include Park properties. Rabare et al. (2009) argued that the design, location and amenities played an essential role in attracting Recreational Park users. The facilities must respond to the complexities of social, cultural and physical needs of people from different cultures, age and gender. Although planners and designers of Public Recreational Parks are knowledgeable about design and the importance of such spaces, they do not always know or understand people’s needs especially where such needs keep shifting (Kemperman and Timmermans, 2011).
Recreational Park facilities should therefore provide for both active and passive activities for the users of all groups (age, gender and ethnicity). Some of the common facilities that need to be considered are lighting, signage, facilities that encourage an active lifestyle for both the young and the old; seating, trees, barbeque facilities, visible policing and Parking space. The facilities should be regularly serviced and maintained to sustain their attractiveness and durability (Rabare et al., 2009).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the historical context of urban parks and defines the problem of underutilization in Addis Ababa, setting the research foundation.
2. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE: Provides an overview of global and African perspectives on recreational park definitions, benefits, and common management challenges.
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the mixed-method approach used, including sampling techniques and the specific instruments for data collection across six selected parks.
4. DATA PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS: Analyzes the collected quantitative and qualitative data to reveal management shortcomings, user dissatisfaction, and the impact of socio-demographic variables.
5. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Synthesizes research results to conclude that current management is insufficient and provides actionable recommendations for city authorities and future research.
Keywords
Public Recreational Parks, Addis Ababa, Park Management, Urban Green Spaces, User Satisfaction, Accessibility, Leisure Services, Park Utilization, Infrastructure, Maintenance, City Planning, Socio-demographic Factors, Institutional Capacity, Policy Guidelines, Outdoor Recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The study assesses the current utilization and management practices of Public Recreational Parks in the Addis Ababa City Government, identifying key challenges hindering their effective operation.
What are the central themes of the work?
The central themes include park management efficiency, user satisfaction, the impact of physical and social accessibility on park usage, and the role of institutional frameworks in urban green space development.
What is the core research objective?
The core objective is to analyze the practices and challenges of public recreational parks to propose specific interventions and policy guidelines that maximize utilization for residents.
Which research methodology was applied?
The research employed a convergent mixed-method approach, integrating both quantitative statistical analysis (including Binary Logit Regression) and qualitative insights from interviews and field observations.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body examines management standards, the influence of demographic characteristics on park use, maintenance issues, safety concerns, and the role of legal frameworks in park operations.
Which keywords characterize this study?
The study is characterized by keywords such as Public Recreational Parks, Addis Ababa, Park Management, User Satisfaction, Accessibility, and Urban Green Spaces.
How does park design impact user satisfaction?
The research suggests that inadequate facilities, poor maintenance, and a lack of clear signage significantly negatively affect user satisfaction, while well-maintained pathways and aesthetics correlate with higher positive feedback.
Why are some Addis Ababa parks underutilized according to the findings?
Underutilization is attributed to factors like insufficient facilities, security problems, lack of maintenance, and the diversion of park land to other commercial or administrative uses by the government.
What specific management failure is highlighted?
The study highlights a lack of specific, enforceable legal frameworks to manage cafeteria services and park activities, leading to instances where parks are misused for illegal or inappropriate social activities.
What is the primary recommendation for the city government?
The researchers recommend better institutional integration between the Parks Agency and the Bureau of Land Development, alongside the formulation of updated, standard policies to safeguard and prioritize recreational spaces.
- Quote paper
- Israel Endale (Author), Girma Abebe (Author), Tegegn Gebeyaw (Author), 2019, Utilization and management of public recreational parks in Addis Ababa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1045128
