Assessment of the Status of Urban Recreational Parks and Street Trees and Their Management: The Case of Selected Districts of Lemi Kura Sub-City, Finfine, Ethiopia

Abstract

Recreational parks and street trees refer to green spaces and urban vegetation designed to enhance the environment, promote biodiversity, and provide social and health benefits to communities. The study aimed to evaluate the status and management of recreational parks and street trees. The study was conducted in three districts (02, 09, and 10) of the Lemi Kura sub-city. This study utilized simple random sampling and a descriptive research design. to investigate the current state of recreational parks and street trees. The study evaluated the physical conditions, management frameworks, and community utilization patterns of these resources. The study used a mixed-method approach, combining primary and secondary data sources, to ensure data accuracy, reliability, and comprehensiveness. The integrated methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of urban green spaces, revealing their management effectiveness, challenges, and usage dynamics. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the management and utilization of recreational parks and street trees, highlighting significant concerns in urban planning and environmental management. The research revealed that the current condition and availability of these green spaces are suboptimal, with a staggering 71.6% of urban residents expressing dissatisfaction. This overwhelming majority underscores a pressing need for improvement in the quality, accessibility, and maintenance of recreational parks and street trees. These results emphasize a clear demand for enhanced urban green infrastructure to better meet the needs and expectations of the community. 57.4% of respondents believe recreational parks and street trees are taken by industrial, commercial, and illegal settlements, attributed to poor urban planning regulations, lack of priority, and lack of attention. The study reveals that the urban community's knowledge and awareness about the benefits of recreational parks and street trees in the study area is largely lacking. The study found diverse perceptions among respondents about the benefits of recreational parks and street trees, with 29.0% disagreeing, 27.5% agreeing, 23.6% strongly agreeing, and 2.0% neutral. The study suggests that collaboration between the government, urban residents, and other stakeholders is crucial to enhance the status of recreational parks and street trees.