ASSESSMENT OF STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS IN RECREATIONAL OPEN SPACES IN ABEOKUTA NIGERIA

Abstract

Environmental aesthetic which is the interaction between people and the environment in relation to beauty illuminates the nature and inspires a deeply held resonance amongst the two. It is the cognitive and the non-cognitive orientations that are brought to bear on an area that considers appreciation of things other than works of art. Components of environmental aesthetics considered within the research context includes the sensual response to the visual and perceived outdoor sound, smell of the air, tactile feelings of the physical spatial elements and taste of food served at a given site. It is challenging to appreciate how individuals perceive, use and experience spaces and facilities provided in recreational open spaces until it is enquired from them. Despite the important role of the correlation between users’ experience and recreational provision, urban planners and operators have continued to neglect stakeholders’ perception. A reconnaissance survey and a pilot study were carried out for the improvement of the quality of the proposed research. Interviews were self-conducted on the twenty-three staff of the ROS with four design professionals. For the full Survey, primary data on socio economic characteristics of respondents were obtained from the residents around the twelve ROS sites in Abeokuta. Systematic random sampling technique was used to administer the questionnaire, within the ROS serving as enumeration centres. The target number of 400 questionnaires sample size obtained from a calculated population figure of 1,294,879.285 were distributed for \completion in various parts of Abeokuta. Due to missing questionnaires, incomplete cases and data access challenges only 372 copies of the questionnaires were completed. The questionnaires were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Responses from the questionnaire were drawn from various parts of the study area. Tables and charts were used in the presentations for descriptive statistics while non- parametric tool of Kendall tau b correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between physical characteristics and environmental aesthetics quality of ROS. Qualitative Analysis was used to ascertain how environmental aesthetics quality of ROS have impacted on the perception of the stakeholders through oral interviews. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used to carry out the quantitative analysis. The result indicated that the rating of the aesthetics of the ROS, by the design professionals is slightly lower than that of the end users according to their weighted mean score. The minimal increment and low impact environmental aesthetics quality on user perception and satisfaction is indicative of the few ROS options available. The result on the maintenance strategies and the environmental aesthetic quality of ROS proves that, if the management continues to strategise, there would be an improvement in the quality of environmental aesthetics that can enhance patronage of the ROS. It is recommended that stakeholders be involved in the design, construction and management of ROS for better sustainability of the environment. The participatory contribution by stakeholders in recreational open spaces will promote healthy living and boost the environmental aesthetics of Abeokuta and other similar cities.