ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL TRANSFORMATION OF RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACES IN PUBLIC RESIDENTIAL ESTATES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Recreational Open Spaces (ROS) are some of the most visible elements of built residential spaces and are directly linked to the quality of urban environment. In Nigeria, the aesthetic appeal and the physical value of many “public residential estates” (PREs) have been on decline. However, the failure to maintain the goal of individual master plan has led to transformation of the ROS as well as spaces earmarked for other purposes thus leading to a gradual annihilation of the master plan. A vivid observation of city environment shows that these open spaces provided in many master plans of many residential estates have been drastically transformed and encroached upon resulting into degeneration of the designed and planned areas. The aim of this research is to assess the impact that transformation of ROS has on some PREs in Lagos State in Nigeria, with a view to developing strategies for creating sustainable recreational open spaces (SROS). This study is a survey research type conducted in selected PREs within the three Senatorial Districts (Central, East and West) in Lagos State and across the three tiers of government where 375 household heads were administered questionnaire and direct observation of the ROS. The locations were selected through simple random sampling to demonstrate the complexities of the phenomenon and effectively give a representation of the happenings in most PREs in Lagos State. The data used were collected through structured questionnaire in line with the objectives of the research. The data were analyzed using, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, Analysis of Variance, Canonical Correlation Analysis and Categorical Regression Analysis. The study revealed that the situation is due to many factors, one of which is the approach of management agencies of the estates combined with other factors such as need for landed property in choice locations and the incidence of low maintenance culture in Nigeria generally. It was concluded that periodic updates and reviews of existing PRE master plans will make them remain relevant. It was also recommended that a sustainable recreation open spaces (SROS) network in Nigeria should be developed by adopting the developmental strategies proposed in this research.