Recreational Facility Awareness and Availability: Implications for Patronage and Residents’ Well-Being in Cross River State
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study is on Recreational Facility Awareness and Availability: Implications for Patronage and Residents’ Well-Being in Cross River State. The study is guided by two research hypotheses in line with the two objectives of the study. The population of this study comprises 741,55 residents of Calabar Municipality The study adopted a descriptive survey design using mixed method approach, key informant interviews were conducted among participants that were purposively selected, a structured questionnaire administered and key Informant
Interview to 400 respondents selected through purposive and simple random sampling technique. The data were analyzed Multiple Regression Analysis and Chi-square tests. Results revealed a statistically significant relationship between public awareness and the level of patronage and availability recreational facilities significantly influences the well-being of residents. This implies that as residents visit recreational facilities more frequently, during preferred times, and experience favorable return factors such as good service or affordability,
their sense of well-being increases. Since the two variables are significant at p < 0.05, the null hypothesis is rejected, affirming that the availability and use of recreational facilities significantly influence the overall well-being of residents in Calabar Municipality. Additionally, the study established that factors such as income level, proximity, cost of access, and availability of amenities play a significant role in influencing patronage. It was
recommended among other that Government agencies and recreational facility operators should develop comprehensive, multi-channel awareness campaigns, including social media, community events, and partnerships with schools and local organizations to increase knowledge of recreational opportunities
Downloads
Article Details
Issue
Section
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in TJESDS are under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license allows others to:
Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially
Under the following terms:
Attribution — Proper credit must be given to the original author(s) and source, including a link to the license.
No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
For more information, visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How to Cite
References
1. Agbor E.A. (2021). Assessment and Analysis of Urban Sprawl and Squatter Settlements in Calabar Metropolis. European Journal of Development Studies, 1(4), 37-43
2. Akinbogun S.P., Kayode O.F., & Oyedokun T.B. (2024). Security Practices in Retail Properties in a Developing Economy: A Logistic Analysis of Impacts on Customers’ Satisfaction and Patronage. Journal of Facilities Management, 22(3), 416-431
3. Balogun B.A. (2021). Leisure Activities and Recreation Facilities in Nigeria: Implications for Wholesome Community Health. Handbook of Sustainable Development and Leisure Services, 51-65
4. Brockis J. (2024). The Natural Advantage: How More Time Outside Reduces Stress, Improves Health and Boosts Social Connection. Major Street Publishing
5. Carneiro M.J., Alves J., Eusébio C., Saraiva L., & Teixeira L. (2022). The Role of Social Organisations in the Promotion of Recreation and Tourism Activities for People with Special Needs. European Journal of Tourism Research, 30, 3013-3013
6. Chan J.K.L., Marzuki K.M., & Mohtar T.M. (2021). Local Community Participation and Responsible Tourism Practices in Ecotourism Destination: A Case of Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah. Sustainability, 13(23), 128-142
7. Çoban S. (2022). Gender and Telework: Work and Family Experiences of Teleworking Professional, Middle-Class, Married Women with Children During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Turkey. Gender, Work & Organization, 29(1), 241-255
8. Dao T.C. (2025). The Evolution and Impact of Recreational Sports: A Global Perspective. In *Social Inclusion Tactics for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities*, 261-294. IGI Global
9. Groulx M., Wigglesworth J., DeLorey R., Harris N., Harris P., Lamb H., & McBride C. (2024). Not for All: Barriers to Universal Accessibility in Nature-Based Tourism and Recreation Spaces Across British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 47(2), 213-231
10. Guan S. & Wang J. (2023). Research on the Optimal Design of Community Public Space from the Perspective of Social Capital. Sustainability, 15(12), 9767
11. Mandagi D.W. & Tappy Y.P. (2024). Determinants of Health Tourism Destination Attractiveness: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Jurnal Studi Perhotelan dan Pariwisata, 2(2), 57-69
12. Obijuru C.C. (2023). The Politics of Cultural Tourism in Nigeria: People, Culture and Power in the Calabar Festival. Doctoral Dissertation, Brunel University London
13. Oncescu J. & Loewen M. (2020). Community Recreation Provisions that Support Low-Income Families’ Access to Recreation. Leisure/loisir, 44(2), 279-302
14. Rao P. (2021). Role of Green Spaces for Maintaining Well-Being in Residential Community Development. *Improving Quality of Life: Exploring Standard of Living, Wellbeing, and Community Development*, 171