ENCOURAGING ATTRIBUTES IN URBAN RECREATIONAL WALKAWAYS: USER PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Numerous health concerns such as obesity is increasingly prevalent among many urban dwellers followed by lack of physical exercise even walking. Limited space in urban settings to provide adequate open spaces, providing recreational facilities is a key issue experienced in urban areas in Sri Lanka. Thus, an ideal solution arises as 'walking paths,' where only a strip of land is required. Among the limited studies directly rely on the attributes in walking paths, there are studies on ‘adults walking in open spaces’ discussing some attributes should consider in developing the facility. However, no evidence to date on the attractive attributes or the adequacy of the attributes in the walking paths. Accordingly. the main aim of this study is to examine the public perception on attributes of walking avenues in urban areas of Sri Lanka. Data collected through a self-administered questionnaire on ten attributes from a convenience sample of 150 users selected from three separate settings. The descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, hoc multiple comparisons, and homogeneous subsets technique were used in the analysis. Results reveals, safety as the preferred attribute while shading and natural settings also significant. An income variation presents that the respondents with above the income level of LKR 65,000 preferred cafeterias providing herbal drinks while the users with below that income level are less interest with the attributes of changing rooms and street vendors. It is recommended to consider the preferred attributes in developing future walking paths to encourage the public to get the full benefits.

Keywords: Attractive Attributes, Public Perception, Urban Setting, Walkaways, Sri Lanka.