Factors that influence user patronage and satisfaction of urban parks in Ghanaian cities: case of the Rattray Park in Nhyiaeso, Kumasi

Urban parks provide environmental, social and economic benefits to users. A notable model that sought to integrate green spaces and create self-sufficient, healthy and pleasant places to live by combining the best aspects of urban and rural life was the garden city model. This led to the creation of many green areas across many African cities, including Kumasi, Ghana. However, considering the rapid decline and deterioration of urban parks in African cities, a key question being asked by the paper is that: is there decline in urban parks and their usage because users are not satisfied with them and thus do not patronise them? Premised on this, this paper examines the factors that influence the satisfaction and patronage of the Rattray Park in Nhyiaeso, commissioned in 2015 and remains the only functional recreational and urban green park in the city of Kumasi. Data was obtained from 237 park users along four indicators, namely (i) sociability, (ii) user and activities, (iii) accessibility and linkage and (iv) comfort and image. The results showed sociability as the most significant factor which influenced users' satisfaction and patronage of the park, i.e. users were more concerned about the provision of facilities for recreation and socialisation. The major contribution of this paper is that sustaining urban parks will happen when there are conscious attempts by relevant stakeholders to identify, appreciate and understand the varying needs of users. This study further contributes to better understanding the garden city model and provides some suggestions to improve upon the quality and patronage of parks.