Assessing the Contribution of Recreational Facilities to Ecosystem Services in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated the contribution of recreational facilities in Abuja, Nigeria, to the provision of ecosystem services. Twenty officially gazetted recreational facilities in the Federal Capital city, Abuja were stratified into three categories: Large Formal Parks, Commercial/Amusement Parks, and Neighbourhood Parks. Using a table of random numbers, two parks were selected from each category. A total of 462 questionnaires were administered to park users based on estimated visitation footfall, out of which 400 valid responses were retrieved, representing an 86.6% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods. The results revealed significant variation in visitation patterns across park categories. Weekly visitation was highest in Neighbourhood Parks (34.57%), while Large Formal Parks recorded their highest visits monthly (30.48%) and during festive periods (28.34%). Commercial/Amusement Parks were predominantly patronised during festive periods (32.58%). Nature appreciation emerged as a major motivation for park users in Neighbourhood Parks (64.20%), while exercise and fitness were most prominent in Large Formal Parks (51.34%). Leisure and relaxation were particularly dominant in Commercial/Amusement Parks (50.00%). Furthermore, the dominant services provided by the park in the study area were cultural services, which included sporting and leisure activities, among others. While other ecosystem services, such as regulating, provisioning, and supporting services, were significantly low and often unavailable in most of the recreational facilities. This was largely due to the non-integration of ecosystem infrastructure during the design and review of the recreational facilities. In view of this, the study recommends the integration of ecological infrastructure into the recreational facilities to enhance the provision of ecosystem services.