FACTORS INFLUENCING PARK USERS WILLINGNESS TO PAY TO ENJOY PARK AMENITIES IN AMUSEMENT AND MAGIC LAND PARK ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

A city remains a stressful environment for citizens due to hectic lifestyles, population concentration, noise, climate change and air pollution. Hence, the demand for greenspaces in cities is rapidly increasing due to the benefits they provide. The aim of the study is to investigate the factors influencing park users’ willingness to pay to enjoy park amenities focusing mainly on the non-consumptive value in Abuja, Nigeria. Quantitative research approach was adopted through the use of questionnaires and field observation with a total of 400 questionnaires distributed using a simple random sampling, 200 from each park. Data were collated and analyzed using descriptive and correlation analysis. The opinions of the respondents were measured using Likert scale. The findings of the study reveals that park users are willing to pay to improve services rendered to visitors, increases in the maintenance of restrooms, exhibits and facilities to provide higher quality visitor experience. It was also observed that sport activities, adventure and recreational escapades, contact with nature, education, religious activities, perceived price fairness, spending support that is, the cooling effect of the park, followed by the public facilities, then landscape and visitor’s satisfaction are the main determinants of visitors’ willingness to pay. The study also reveals the relationship between park users and the existing recreational facilities as well as the relationship between park users and the characteristic of users which Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the P-value relationship; where P<0.05 is moderately significant, P<0.01 is fairly significant and P<0.001 is highly significant. Based on this findings, it was recommended that the willingness of park users to pay for park amenities can be seen as a motivation for private developers to invest in the development of park with the sole aim of maximizing profit. Therefore, it will enhance the public and private firms with the necessary funds to effectively manage their venture.