Abstract:
The comprehension and response to environmental stimuli are driven by the perception of one’s surroundings. This holds true for the perception of landscapes within recreational parks, which significantly influences the level of satisfaction derived from the recreational experiences they offer. The region of Minna faces multiple challenges regarding outdoor recreation, including insufficient facilities, indifference towards recreational activities, time constraints, financial limitations, and health issues. Addressing these challenges requires investigating the issues from the perspective of the local population. This study aims to explore how individuals perceive the landscape design of a recreation park in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, with the goal of enhancing visitor frequency. Employing a mixed research approach involving both qualitative and quantitative methods, the study utilizes the Laddering technique for data collection, utilizing an unstructured means-end theory approach. Probability sampling is employed, alongside questionnaires and observation schedules, to gather primary data from respondents and information about the existing recreational park. Key parameters and variables for measurement are identified through literature analysis. The study evaluates five perceptual categories (open smooth, open coarse, rivers, agrarian, and structures) to gauge visitor preferences for landscape settings. Additionally, the analysis examines six perceptual qualities of landscape features: form, texture, sound, color, pattern, and smell, in order to determine elements that contribute to the aesthetics of recreational parks. The results are cross-tabulated with social group factors for deeper insights. Perceptual qualities are further categorized into allocentric and autocentric perception modes. The findings reveal that the most favored landscape settings are structures, open smooth landscapes, and water bodies, with respective percentages of 31%, 22%, and 20%. Moreover, a statistical association between gender and the preference for structures in recreational park design is evident, with a Pearson’s Chi-square test yielding a P-value of 0.002. Additionally, for the Idoma tribe, the perception of form as a landscape quality is influenced by gender, as indicated by a P-value of 0.03. This study underscores the importance of considering not only spatial qualities but also perceptual qualities in the design of recreational parks, offering insights for park managers and landscape architects to enhance user satisfaction.
Incorporating Public Landscape Perception into the Development of Recreational Parks in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
