Abstract
Urban green infrastructure provides multi-functional socio-economic and environmental benefits and promotes physical, relaxation, and the social activities of the urban residents. This paper analyses the pattern of utilization of urban green infrastructure in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion. The collected data also analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The majority (78%) of the respondents visit green corridors in Hawassa. 68% of respondents visit parks in Wolayita Sodo, while, 62% of the respondents visited home garden in Bodity town. There is an overall significant (0.000) variation in the utilization of green infrastructures among urban centres. Based on Post-Hoc Test there is a statistically significant (p = 0.017) difference in the utilisation of green infrastructure in between Hawassa city and Wolayita Sodo as well as between Hawassa and Bodity town (p = 0.000), but there was no significant (p = 0.113) difference between Wolayita Sodo and Bodity town. Majority (34.6%, 31.6% and 32.4%) of respondents visit Lakeshore, Junior Park, and Bodity Stadium in Hawassa, Wolayita Sodo and Bodity town respectively. Green corridors in Hawassa, urban parks in Wolayita Sodo and Bodity Stadium in Bodity town was the most frequently visited GI types. Recreational, physical and social activities were the main reasons for visiting urban green infrastructure in the study area. The pattern of utilization of green infrastructure types varies significantly among the three urban centres. Urban planners, designers, and ecologists, therefore, need to focus on urban green infrastructure planning, strategies to promote the utilization of green infrastructure in the urban environment sustainably.Keywords: Pattern of Utilization, Urban Green infrastructure, Visitors, Green /parks
Highlights
Cities are becoming increasingly congested and polluted (Blanco et al, 2009; Maas et al, 2009; Ohta et al, 2007; Lee and Maheswaran, 2011; Saniya and Faria, 2013)
Utilization of Green Infrastructures: The analysis revealed that 78% of visitors visit green corridors such as lake shores in Hawassa city, followed by home garden (69%) and outdoor sports fields (68%) (Table 1)
While protected urban parks are used for occasions and events as well as relaxation centres on weekends
Summary
Cities are becoming increasingly congested and polluted (Blanco et al, 2009; Maas et al, 2009; Ohta et al, 2007; Lee and Maheswaran, 2011; Saniya and Faria, 2013). As stated by Jerret (2010), Sister et al (2010), and Jennifer et al (2014), urban green infrastructure includes parks and reserves, sporting fields, green corridors (lake, stream, and river banks), greenways and trails, community gardens, street trees, and nature conservation areas, as well as less. It clearly shows their importance is misunderstood and undermined in the debate about architecture and built environment. The paper suggested recommendations in the utilization and the pattern of visitors to visit green infrastructure
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