A Lesson from Existing Parks of Addis Ababa

Abstract

Park development must consider public input, as they are the primary users. To enhance recreational ecosystem services, cities should assess existing parks based on public feedback for future green space planning. This paper studied and analyzed the perceived capacity of two parks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, selected for their land use and size, which influence their recreational capacity. Data were collected through a questionnaire from 797 visitors to examine factors like visit frequency, desired amenities, time spent, and travel time to the parks, along with suggestions for improvements. Results indicate medium satisfaction among visitors in both parks, with cleanliness identified as a key concern in Bihere Tsige Park. The majority of respondents in both parks highly favor amenities that support passive recreational activities. Recommendations include enhancing cleanliness in Bihere Tsige Park and increasing greenery in Tekle Haimanot Park. The paper recommends that park managers, policymakers, and planners utilize these insights to improve current parks and guide future developments.

Keywords: Bihere Tsige Park, Frequency of Visit, Level of Satisfaction, Park Amenities, Recreational Capacity, Suggestions, Tekle Haimanot Park