Potential for Urban Recreational Development in the Kotikawatta-Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha Area

Abstract

A recreational activity can be defined as an activity undertaken for the pleasure, leisure or satisfaction. In highly urbanized area availability of recreational spaces are important specially because of the high population density, lack of vacant lands and environmental pollution. Under such conditions the urban environments can negatively affect the mental and physical health of their residents. Therefore, the recreational facilities have become a fundamental human need that should be facilitated in urban environments. The aim of this research was exploration of the potential for recreation. To fulfill this aim, the study mainly constructed following objectives: To identify the urban recreational needs, their lifestyle and willingness for outdoor recreation, in a complex environment and the relationship between outdoor open spaces were and their leisure time. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires from 50 people who are living in 16 of the 33 Grama Niladari Divisions (GNDs) in the Kotikawatta-­‐Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha which is an urban settlement area located in the Colombo district. The 50 participants and the GNDs were selected randomly. Moreover field observations, interviews and focus group discussions were used as the other primary data collection methods. The secondary data was collected from different sources. Gathered data was generalized, classified and summarized. Charts, maps, diagrams and percentages were arranged and used as data analysis methods. The study identifies many differences in recreational needs due to the sex ratio, age structure and ethnic composition. The financial capabilities has become a decisive factor to the leisure activities of urban residents. Playgrounds gardens and sports equipments are not satisfactory in comparison the population density in this region. But there is a high potential for developing this urban residential area on the basis of ‘Green City’ and ‘Recreational City’ concepts by successfully mixing the existing natural resources. This research also highlighted the importance of this area from an Urban Development perspective.