Public Open Space Conversion: Costs and Implications in the Sampled Urban Areas of South-Eastern Nigeria

This study examined the costs and implications of public recreational open space conversion in South-eastern Nigeria. The study considered the educational status of respondents of the sampled Communities and the costs of public open space conversion in the sampled areas of South-eastern Nigeria as the key objectives. The research adopted the field investigations method via case study approach which involved descriptive survey research design through field observation, questionnaire administration and oral interviews. Quantitative and qualitative data research methods were employed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was astonishing to discover that the level of interest in recreation and open space activities in the areas under investigation nears zero although the level of education and awareness of recreational facilities is on the increase. Also, there is an increase in environmental costs as a result of the conversion of public recreational open space in South-eastern Nigeria. Costs of public open space conversion from the study area include low property values, increased social vices, loss of urban aesthetics, environmental insecurity and loss of employment opportunities. Public recreational open space conversion has resulted in environmental insecurity, making people more aggressive and antagonistic as a result of frustration and urban aggression which often accompanies insufficient nerves and brain relaxation for a well-directed thought and self-composition. There is therefore the need to make public spaces functional in order to attract increased value, aesthetics, employment, and decreased social vices and environmental insecurity. Therefore, up to 25% of every developable area should be reserved for recreational and open space activities. Keywords: Recreation, Open Space Conversion, Environmental Costs, Costs Implication, Public Open Space