Recreational facilities in Dhaka city : a study of existing parks and open spaces

Abstract

Existing parks and open spaces in Dhaka city have been examined in this study considering their location,present condition,operation and maintenance.Four communities, ten parks and ten playgrounds were selected and data on socio-economic conditions of the households and operation and maintenance of the parks and playgrounds were collected and analysed. It was found from the analysis on the use of the parks and open spaces that the most of the daily and frequent visitors are male students under the age of 29 having little or no income and living within 1/2 milelexcept city or special parks) and coming on foot mostly during the afternoon.The use of parks and playgrounds decreases with the increase of age group and income.It was also found that the majority of the parks and open spaces do not have adequate facilities and service to satisfy the visitors.The common and major problems with the parks and open spaces were found to be the lack of cleaning,absence of bench,shelter and tOilets,environmental pollution,noise and of security. lack In managing the parks and playgrounds the concerned authorities are often confronted with insufficient finance and shortage of trained personnel.There is also no c60rdination among the organizations and institutions responsible for the operation and maintenance of these parks and playgrounds. The study indicates that the enhancement .bf the use and attractiveness of the parks and playgrounds of Dhaka city would require the provision of needed facilities and components, proper maintenance and allocation of adequate funds.Creation of a separate autonomous organization for all the parks and open spaces except the specialized one's would be a necessary step in this direction.