Research Article Architecture and Recreational Tourism: Patronage of Parks and Gardens in Kaduna Metropolis Markus Bulus 1,2 *, Elimisiemon M. Chris 2, Anifowose K. Jide 3, Agbodike C. Chigozie 3 1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. 2 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Kaduna State University P. O. Box 2339, Tafawa Balewa Way Kaduna, Kaduna, Nigeria. 3 Department of Architecture, School of Environmental Studies, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda P. O. Box 1012, Zamfara, Gusau, Nigeria. ARTICLE INFO Article history Received: 02/06/2017 Accepted: 04/07/2017 Architecture; Recreation; Tourism; Amusement. A b s t r a c t Parks and gardens are lungs and arteries of cities. Not only do they add to the visual, aesthetics appeal and beauty of any city, they also provide nature, character and green areas that are valuable for the sustainability, needs of the environment and the urban drivellers. As urban populations have continued to increase very rapidly in Nigeria, so have the needs for services to cater for the requirements of the teeming population, including recreational and amusement facilities. It is in this regard that this paper investigates the level of patronage of parks and gardens in Kaduna metropolis, their physical state and facilities. A purposive sampling technique was used to select five parks for detailed study. Data were collected through the instrumentality of a questionnaire which captured the questions this research intended to answer. Also, a structured interview was conducted at the respective parks with the management in other to complement the obtained data. The main findings reveal the decrepit nature of most of the parks and gardens and their general state of poor maintenance, and, Low level of patronage was discovered. The paper concluded that, to increase patronage, the state government and the respective owners of these parks should carry out a holistic renovation work and provide additional facilities for the amusement of the various age groups.. Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Sustainability. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction Rapid urbanization and urban growth in Nigeria has led to a myriad of urban problems, one of which is the provision of recreational facility to cater for the needs of its population (Yan & Santos, 2009). Parks and gardens have been an important aspect of recreational planning in the developed world. In Nigeria however, 18 P a g e
this is only relatively recent. Dating to the period of colonial role parks and gardens were used as deliberate policy of segregation and even discrimination (Wen and Yu, 2012). Thus, while the European reservation areas (non-government residential areas) had lavish provision of public parks and gardens, the township had only few, and the native towns had in most cases none. Informal parks where use as buffer zones in many cities in Nigeria to separate the different residential areas and sections. As cities have grown, so the needs for recreational tourism and leisure has also increased (Jodice et al., 2011) and this has attracted the attention of the government and communities on the desire to improve on the living conditions of the urban dwellers through the provision of various recreational and other facilities. For example; housing it, heath care, roads, parks and gardens and so on. Kaduna metropolis is Characterize by natural and man-made recreational parks/ garden. As the city has grown over the years, that is, from the ancient colonial era to date more public parks and gardens has been provided and developed to cater for the needs of the teeming urban inhabitants whereas others has been lost to their urban uses (Airey and Chong, 2010). The lifestyle and leisure behaviour of people who patronize parks and gardens is of paramount importance and this has prompted the desire to evaluate the state of some of the parks and gardens in Kaduna metropolis. The purpose of this research is to investigate the level of patronage of parks and gardens in Kaduna metropolis, their physical state and facilities. In other to achieve these aim, the research employed the following objectives; To assessed the rate at which tourist visit park/gardens, for recreation or amusement. To examine the park/gardens state of dilapidation To Evaluation the facilities present in the park and their adequacy To assess the extent to which these parks and gardens has satisfied the recreational and amusement requirement of its tourist. For the purpose of lucidity, the study has attempted to provide answers to the following questions; What extent do people patronize parks and gardens in Kaduna metropolis? What is the physical state of these parks /gardens that is, in terms of dilapidation? Has these parks /gardens satisfied its tourist requirement for recreations and amusement? 1.1 The Concept of Parks and Gardens and Need For Recreation Although the original meaning of the word park according to (Wen and Yu, 2012) meant a hunting ground attached to the house of a gentle man. One of the holy books has also documented the creation of parks by the invisible Almighty creator. God planned and planted the first garden on earth at Eden (from the beginning). However, by the 19 th century in Europe, the meaning changed to nag land laid out as space, essential for public use. On the other hand however, the word garden in the words of (Olukoye, 2009) connote an enclosed piece of ground, usually landscaped and comprising of grassland, flowers and widely 19 P a g e
planted with trees and with facilities used for recreation. Yet another definition by (Kim et al., 2007) has it that, the landscape architects consider a garden to be an art a means of expressing idea s, which often relate to earthly form of paradise. The important distinguishing principles that differentiate public parks and gardens from private ones are ownership and use. Thus, public parks and gardens are those where ownership and management are in the public domain and which are open to public use. The word recreation is a Latin derived from the word to recreate, which means to create a new or fresh after toil (Kim et al., 2007). Recreation is therefore more than just body exercise. It also has to do with one s state of mind and well-being. According to Kim et al., (2007) recreation is a voluntary activity chosen for pleasure, which is carried out during leisure. Leisure being regarded as a measure of time, that is, the time remaining after the necessary household chores has been completed. Leisure may so be defined as discretionary time (Wood et al., 2013). Recreation on the other hand, embraces a wide range of activities undertaken during leisure. However, the difficulty in the definition has prompted some authors to argue that recreation and leisure are state of the mind and best defined in psychological terms8. Some individuals recreate for a plethora of reasons and derived different level of satisfaction from the same activity. Thus, recreation is a fundamental human need. Parks and gardens are areas devoted to green landscape salubrious and healthful breathing spaces. They provide relief from the densely populated areas of industrialized cities of the mid- 19 th century (used primarily for passive recreation). What differentiates modern parks from the traditional is the accommodation for active recreation (Tran et al., 2015). Thus, difference in climate, cultural altitude and social habits of any region influence the design and activities that takes place in a park and garden. Consequently, it has been observed that parks/gardens create a special image for the city in which they exist and a sense of pride for the community that support them (Wood et al., 2013). They are of artistic, historic or cultural significance, and recreational enjoyment. They also exist for pleasure, appreciation of nature, and conservation of natural resources, medical purpose or form of valued landscapes. 1.2 Recreational Standard for Parks and Gardens Planning is an established process through which it is possible to control the physical development of cities. Attempts to measure the effectiveness of a city s provision of parks and standards have been formulated in terms of unit area per thousand populations. According to (Xiao, 2006) an average of 2.7 acres (1.1 ha) per thousand people is required. This is however, 4.6 acres (1.9 ha) in Cheshire which is largely a rural country in California. At the local level in Abuja, an approximately 2.5 acres (1.01ha) of open space per a thousand is recommended (Jodice, et al., 2011). Likewise (Airey and Chong, 2010), asserted that standards provide the frame work for providing recreational areas and facilities. But (Krutwaysho and Bramwell, 2010) argue that good design does not come from rules, regulation standards or any verbal procedures, but through a process that examines and determines their real content and which eliminate irrelevances. Therefore, 20 P a g e
standard should be applied with common sense and good judgment and not remain fixed in application, as communities varies in their climate, topography and natural resources. 1.3 Accessibility and Users Satisfaction with Parks and Gardens The form of intra-urban movement influences the level of patronage of parks and gardens. Movement has to do with specific point location of activities, which individual seek to undertake. Accessibility is viewed in terms of physical distance, travel time and cost. Location efficiency in based on accessibility of the facilities to the user and involves physical distance and transport cost and time taken. In economic terms, accessibility is the cost of transportation and fee paid before entrance. Krutwaysho and Bramwell, (2010) argue that accessibility of parks and gardens to the public in Nigeria is reasonable in terms of fees charged and age allowed. Most of the parks and gardens have no restriction on age limit. Physical distance however remains an important factor, which affects accessibility. Murray et al, (2007), has cautioned that before planning extensively and meaningfully for parks, the attitude and preference of the potential customers should be studied, evaluated and closely understood. Realizing that, these are of primary importance to the satisfaction of users. It is necessary therefore, to consider the users view-point when evaluating satisfaction derived from recreation. Other factors that affect recreation are the socio-economic characteristics of users, their educational attainment, occupational status, income, mobility, the availability of leisure time, sex, marital status and family size; physical factors, especially facilities in the parks and gardens, location etc. 2. Research Methodology Methodology employed for this research includes; the use of structured interview, direct field observation and monitoring and administration of a structured questionnaire. Five (5) parks were selected in Kaduna metropolis for detailed study. There, locations from the city center and spatial spread were considered. These parks are; the General Hassan Katina Park (Gamji Park), Trappco Range and Resort, Pixie-Dixie Amusement Park, Treasure of the Universe Resort and the Push Garden. A questionnaire survey was articulated to collect factual information on the demographic, socio-economic characteristics of the users, their level of satisfaction with such parks/gardens, the facilities available and state of dilapidation. The questionnaire was administered in the five selected parks and gardens on a face to face approach. During the reconnaissance survey, information on the type and nature of the facilities in the parks/garden, their physical conditions, and degree of maintenance and cleanliness was recorded as observed. 21 P a g e
3. Results and Discussion The data collected on the patronage of recreational parks and gardens in Kaduna were presented and analysed in this section based on the socio-economic and demographic characteristics respondent s and their level of satisfaction with the parks/gardens. of the respective 3.1 Respondent Socio-Economic and Demographic Characteristics The demographic and socio-economic characteristics of respondent were collected based on their age, sex, educational status and monthly income, since these has been found to be the most determinant factors that influence patronage of parks and gardens. The age and sex distribution of visitors to the different recreational/amusement parks and gardens is presented in Tables 1-5. Table1: Showing Age and Sex Distribution of Users Bush Resort Garden AGE GROUP MALES FEMALES FREQUENCY 14 YEARS BELOW 10 5 18 15-24 15 18 33 25-34 10 12 22 35-44 8 2 10 45-54 5 0 5 55-ABOVE 2 0 2 TOTAL 50 40 90 Source: Field Work (JULY, 2015) Table 2: Showing Age and Sex Distribution of Tourist at General Hassan Kastina Park (GAMJI PARK) AGE GROUP MALES FEMALES 14 YEARS BELOW 19 11 15-24 29 16 25-34 14 12 35-44 6 4 45-54 2 0 55 ABOVE 1 0 TOTAL 63 53 Source: Field Work (JULY, 2015) 22 P a g e
Table 3: Showing the Age and Sex Distribution of Tourist at Treasures of the Universe Resort. AGE GROUP MALES FEMALES 14 YEARS BELOW 4 3 15-24 8 9 25-34 6 5 35-44 6 3 45-54 2 1 55 ABOVE 1 _ TOTAL 22 25 52 Source: Field Work (JULY 2015) Table 4: Showing Age and Sex Distribution of Tourist at Puxie-Duxie Amusument Park AGE GROUP MALES FEMALES FREQUENCY 14 YEARS BELOW 14 13 27 15-24 19 20 39 25-34 10 11 21 35-44 3 2 5 45-54 0 55 ABOVE 0 TOTAL 46 46 92 Source: Field Work (JULY, 2015) Table 5: Showing Age and Sex Distribution of Tourist at Trappco Resort AGE GROUP MALES FEMALES FREQUENCY 14 BELOW 2 2 4 15-24 10 8 18 25-34 12 10 22 35-44 6 7 13 45-54 3 2 5 55 ABOVE 2 2 TOTAL 35 29 64 Source: Field Work (JULY, 2015) 23 P a g e
The overall age distribution of visitors indicate that youths (15-24) years has the highest group of people who patronize parks and gardens in Kaduna metropolis, While those with 45years and above were the least. This result agrees with6 discovery that, the desire to participate in exercising diminishes with age. From 30 years and above participation declined. Murray et al., (2007) also asserted that, frequency intensity and participation in recreational activities changes over the years as the ability to participate in recreational activities waxes and wanes with age. There are many notable exceptions; however, as with increased provision of recreational facilities for older people, there is intendancy for resurgence amongst them in active a creation. Only few people uses free time constructively, some use it in un-purposeful ways which is detrimental to the society. TABLE 6: Showing Educational Attainments Tourist In Parks PARKS/GARDENS EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL SECONDARY SCHOOL TERTIARY INFORMAL TOTAL GENERAL HASSAN 8 14 20 5 2 KASTINA TREASURE OF THE 12 18 20 2 52 UNIVERSE TRAPP CO RESORT 15 20 22 7 64 DUXIE PUXIE 22 26 32 14 92 BUSH GARDEN 15 30 40 5 90 FREQUENCY 62 108 134 33 From the data presented on table14it is obvious that people higher educational background tend to engage more in recreational/amusement pursuits than those who are not. Increase on income on the other hand has a reverse effect as level of patronage decline with increase in income (see table 7). TABLE 7: Showing Incomes and Patronage of Parks/Gardens Parks/garden Monthly income Less than 10,000-20,000-30,000-40,000-10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 above G.H.K park 26 25 20 18 10 T. of the 20 18 15 10 5 universe Trappco Result 15 10 7 5 3 24 P a g e
Duxie-puxie 25 20 15 12 10 Bush garden 12 10 8 6 4 frequency 98 93 65 51 32 Source: fieldwork (July, 2015) Higher income earners tend to engage in more costly recreational pursuits. People who earn less than ten thousand naira per month formed the bulk of those people using parks and gardens of which this study found out to be students. 3.2 Users Opinion on Facilities in the Parks/Gardens The Study examined users level of satisfaction with facilities in the parks and gardens, their physical conditions, and state of dilapidation. An inventory of the facilities in the various parks /gardens studied is indicated in Table 8. Table 8: Showing Facilities In Parks/Gardens Parks/gardens G.H.K.P Bush garden D.P.P T.U TRAPPCO TOTAL Restaurant - - Bar(s) - - Toilet (s) Tents (s) Snooker table (s) - Kiosk/shops (s) - Public scat (s) - - - - Volley ball court - - Swings - Parking lots Average No of daily visitors 30 20 40 12 18 Source: fieldwork (July, 2015) It can be deduce from the level of patronage that there is positive Correlation between the level of existing facilities and the number of tourist visited in these parks and gardens. This result has concurred to Kevin (14) assertion that the level of patronage will be directly proportional to the availability of facilities. 25 P a g e
In terms of the level of satisfactions with facilities, 18% of the total respondent indicated that they are very satisfied, 22% indicated satisfied while 60% indicated otherwise [see table 9]. TABLE 9: Showing Level of Satisfaction with Facilities in the Parks/Gardens Level of G.H.K.P B.G D.P.P TRAPPCO T.UNIVERSE TOTAL 100% satisfaction vary 16 14 10 15 10 65 18% satisfied Satisfied 14 10 12 20 14 70 22% Not satisfied 36 27 28 40 30 161 60% Source: Fieldwork (JULY, 2015) On the types of leisure activities engage in while in the parks/gardens, these fall into three major categories, firstly, sporting activities such as snooker, swings and table tennis secondly, passive activities such as seating, resting, reading of newspapers and magazines or just to meet friends and thirdly, to use facilities in the parks/gardens such as restaurants kiosk /shops toilets etc. Patronage of parks/gardens in usually high during public holidays, while the time spends in the parks/gardens depends on the facilities that are available. Those who visit for social and relaxation purposes tend to stay longer than those who visit on business purposes, for example to patronize the restaurants. 3.3 Parks and Gardens State of Dilapidation Users response to weather the parks/gardens need to be renovated; their state of dilapidation is shown in table 1. From the data in the table, it can be deduce that Trappco range resort has the highest ranking, followed with the bush gardens; General HASSAN Katsina park, Treasure of the Universe Resort and lastly Dixie Puxie Amusement Park. TABLE 10: Showing Users Rating Of Parks/Gardens in terms of Delapidation Level of dilapidation G.H.K.P B.G TRAPPCO T.U D.P.P TOTAL % Very dilapidated 36 27 40 30 20 161 60% Moderately dilapidated 16 10 20 14 10 70 21% Not dilapidated 14 14 15 10 10 65 19% Source: Fieldwork (JULY, 2015) 4. Conclusion From the study, General Hassan Katsina Park has the highest patronage; followed by Dixie Puxie Amusement Park, Treasure of the Universe Resort, Bush garden and Trappco Resort respectively. Also, it 26 P a g e
has shown that parks/gardens in Kaduna metropolis are underutilized. To increase patronage, the state government and the respective owners of these parks should carry out a holistic renovation work and provide additional facilities for the amusement of the various age groups. Furthermore, public enlightenment on the significance of recreation and leisure will boost patronage. Acknowledgment This study is a result of the assistance of many people with whom I have worked with. I would like to particularly show gratitude to Managing Directors of all the Parks/Gardens for their contribution to the success of this study. I am really thankful to Mrs. Markus too, for being there always when I needed her support. References Airey D, Chong K. National policy-makers for tourism in China. Ann Tour Res [Internet]. Elsevier Ltd; 2010;37(2):295 314. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2009.09.004 Akinlabi Fadamiro J, Joseph Adedeji A. Recreational experiences in parks and gardens, Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Place Management and Development. 2014;7(1):5-26. De Freitas CR. Tourism climatology: Evaluating environmental information for decision making and business planning in the recreation and tourism sector. Int J Biometeorol. 2003;48(1):45 54. Jodice LW, Lacher G, Norman WC, Hughes D, Culler W. and Management Linkages Between Traditional Coastal-. 2011. Kim H, Cheng CK, O Leary JT. Understanding participation patterns and trends in tourism cultural attractions. Tour Manag. 2007;28(5):1366 71. Krutwaysho O, Bramwell B. Tourism policy implementation and society. Ann Tour Res [Internet]. Elsevier Ltd; 2010;37(3):670 91. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2009.12.004 Murray D, Price B, Crilley G. Advocacy and Visitation Levels in Australian Botanic Gardens: Process and Outcome Benefits. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration. 2007;25(3). Olokesusi, F. An Assessment of Hotels in Abeokuta, Nigeria and its implication for Tourist. International, Journal of Hospitality Management. 1990;(2):125-34. Olukole TO. GIS Database and Wildlife-based Tourism: The Case of the University of Ibadan Zoo, Nigeria. Tour Recreat Res [Internet]. 2009;34(2):213 7. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02508281.2009.11081595 Tran X, Nguyen BL, Nguyen MC. Effects of the Big Five Personality Traits on Recreation Types - The Case of Vietnam Tourism. 2015. 27 P a g e
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