USERS’ PERCEPTION OF PROXIMITY, QUALITY AND ADEQUACY OF RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACES IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess users’ perception of proximity, quality and adequacy of recreational open spaces in Port Harcourt metropolis. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Primary data and secondary data were deployed in this study. Primary data were collected from questionnaire responses from users’ of the selected recreational open spaces. Secondary data was gotten from printed and published journals. Results revealed that 71.7% of the total respondents do not live in close proximity to the recreational open spaces. 13.5% of the total respondents lived less than 500m away from the recreational open spaces, 14.8% of the total respondents lived between 501 - 1000m away from the recreational open spaces, 24.3% of the total respondents lived between 1km- 2km away from the recreational open spaces while 47.4% of the total respondents lived in distances greater than 2km away from the recreational open spaces. However, the majority of users’ of recreational open spaces were in agreement that the infrastructure, physical appearance and security of the ROS was adequate. Results also revealed that the recreational open spaces improved their health and mental well-being of respondents. Similarly, 80.8% of the total respondents were satisfied with the quality of the recreational open spaces. The study recommended the expansion of green spaces in the recreational open spaces as this will not only improve the microclimate of the area but will also improve the aesthetics of the recreational open spaces