EVALUATION OF URBAN PARK PATHWAY CHARACTERISTICS AND VISITORS WALKING BEHAVIOUR IN MINJIBIR PARK, KANO, NIGERIA

Abstract

Parks are usually exclusively available set-out areas in cities meant for relaxation and leisure activities. Walking is a low-cost physical activity that is inevitable in parks due to the need to move around and has various health benefits. This study examined the park pathway design characteristics and visitors walking in Minjibir Park. On-site observation was used to examine the characteristics of the pathways and also count the number of visitors on different pathway segments. Questionnaires were distributed to determine the disliked and preferred pathways by visitors. (the frequently used pathways). It was also evident that attributes like benches, availability of water bodies, presence of shade, as well as widening, straight and highly visible pathways with flowers were preferred. thus, the research noted that 66% of park visitors are in sitting position with 19% walking, these were the highest figures as compared with other activities. The condition of the present pathways of the park was assessed to determine the most used pathways and the connecting activity it leads to. Another notable observation is that frequently unused pathways (especially ones connected to passive activity areas) in Minjibir park are of lower standard than the frequently used ones, it is narrower and not frequently upgraded as much as active areas pathways. Thus, the activity areas present in the park include the children amusement ride, cattle and horse ranch, boat ride and gazebo, golf course and a passive sit out for relaxation. However, it is recommended that: attributes like flowers, lightening fixtures, tree shade, objects on the side and other features should be added to pathways to encourage use, building of pathways along water body and also Periodic upgrading of pathways should be encouraged to make it look presentable. The study concluded that active areas have more users than passive areas, with the exception of the pathway along water body and the one with shades for relaxation which are both passive and had a high visitor count. By providing pathways in parks that are preferred by visitors, designers can create environmentally friendly parks that are supportive of walking as a habit and ultimately contribute to health improvement in general.