Public Open Spaces Management Practices In Adama City

Abstract

Public open spaces are an open and accessible space or place for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, age ethnicity, or socio-economic level. The primary purpose of Public Open Space is to provide people with satisfaction. It represents society and its ideals, and it is essential for livable and inclusive cities. Public open space provides numerous social, environmental, and economic benefits, making it an essential component of our social fabric. Despite their numerous advantages, they are under intense pressure, especially in rapidly growing cities where little is known about their management systems. The practical management of public open space frequently fails to consider the values of such open spaces. As a result, development occurs in ways that greatly reduce or destroy these open spaces with negative environmental, economic, and social consequences. Therefore, this research is attempting to assess the management challenges of public open spaces and make recommendations that overcome the existing challenges in Adama City. To achieve the study's objectives, combinations of quantitative and qualitative research approaches were applied. which help in the collection of data from diverse perspectives, provide a better understanding of the study, improve the findings’ accuracy, reliability, and validity. Both approaches are used through the application of survey method questioner, interview, and observation of the situation. The study's findings indicate that there is a severe scarcity of well-designed and managed public open spaces that meet the needs of the town's ever-increasing population. Based on the finding of the study the existing public open spaces in the study area are unappealing, uncomfortably, inaccessible, and have a lack of amenities and lack of quality infrastructure. Furthermore, the finding of the study revealed that according to key informants a lack of collaboration among various governmental sectors is the primary reason for the poor management of public open spaces in Adama City. Therefore, to improve people's quality of life and the beauty of the city, the city administration should take into account the management, expansion, protection, and planning of public spaces. And to encourage sustainable Public open space development and management systems, awareness generation, a legislative framework, and stakeholder participation are required.