Influence of Spatial Characteristics on Utilization of Urban Parks in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

In spite of the vital roles of urban parks in cities, parks in Nairobi City County (NCC) continue to suffer excessive variation in use. However, the factors influencing this variability are not yet explained empirically. In practice, the design, management and rehabilitation processes of urban parks within NCC are based on unstructured methods such as periodic survey, to establish the challenges facing the parks and possible intervention measures. These processes are subjective and unreliable and are therefore likely to give unauthentic practices such as park designs, rehabilitation and management guidelines since they do not adequately take into account the many factors that influence park use. Eventually, this may lead to fast decline in quality, congestion, under use and obsolescence. This study investigates the contribution of spatial characteristics on urban parks utilization in NCC in Kenya. From literature, 13 spatial characteristics were observed for analysis namely: size of space, surface material, accessibility, visual connectivity, adjacent neighbourhood characteristics, vegetation characteristics, environmental quality, built environment, distance to park spaces, security, overall design layout, space aesthetics and park features. In order to achieve the study aim, three specific objectives were set as follows: to analyse independent variables that have a significant relationship with the dependent variable for use in regression analysis in the study of urban parks; to determine the extent to which particular independent variables predict park utilization and to formulate guidelines for enhancement of utilization of urban parks in NCC in Kenya. The study adopted a quantitative research strategy and a survey research design. Data were collected from a random sample of convex spaces generated from the six gazetted urban parks base maps. An observation schedule and an interview schedule were used to collect the data and analysis carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows Version 20). Statistical procedures adopted in the study include correlation analysis and multiple linear regression and the significance of the relationships was tested at 95 percent confidence level. Results of the study reveal a significant relationship between spatial characteristics and urban park utilization. Eight independent variables were found to have a significant correlation with the dependent variable hence considered for regression analysis. Nine (9) predictive models useful in explaining which specific predictor variable explains a specific response surrogate and to what measure were development. Eventually, design guidelines that inform park designs at various stages of park development were formulated. It is concluded that spatial characteristics play a significant role in park utilization. To optimize park utilization in NCC, these factors should be purposively considered in park design and the development process, following the models developed in this study. Finally, further research should be pursued to increase the explanatory power (R2 values) of the independent variables, and to establish other empirical models for parks in other 46 counties of Kenya.