Abstract

Studies indicate that spatial organisation of park features and their condition are some of the major factors which drive the use of public spaces like parks, gardens, squares and sports arena. Understanding the drivers of public space utilisation within the local context in cities as well as the trend in use over time will facilitate the design of effective and efficient public spaces and aid in forecasting future use. Given the mandate for provision of public spaces in the sustainable development goals, such understanding is critical baseline data in evaluating the performance of goal 11 and target 7 of the goals. This study seeks to investigate the spatial organisation and condition of parks in Makurdi from 19762018. It used observation, measurement and questionnaires in parks as well as households in park neighbourhoods. Data was disaggregated based on current users of parks (<60 years) and respondents aged > 60 years old provided information on how public space was used in the past. The data obtained was subjected to statistical tests using factor analysis and two-way ANOVA. The study revealed that there was no variation in the spatial organisation and condition of parks in Makurdi. It therefore recommended a revitalisation of existing parks.