Conceptual Policy Framework for Urban Parks in Sri Lanka with special reference to the Diyatha Uyana Urban Park, Colombo

Abstract

The study was undertaken by the researchers by focusing on the problem of the kind of policy framework suited to the establishment of urban park. While previous research exists on urban park participation, no studies have been undertaken on the policies pertaining to the setting up of such parks. The main objective of this study was to contribute to the creation of a conceptual policy framework for the Diyatha Uyana urban park The amount of visitor participation was identified as the independent variable while nine dependent variables were identified: the effects of environmental Noises, the effects of population, disturbance by others when engaging in physical exercises, the barriers to take photographs, the inadequacy of resources for exercise, the prohibitive rules and regulations, limitations of space in the park, inadequacy of signage and safety measures. Two moderate variables were identified as physical and emotional factors. Through a simple random sampling method 300 visitors were selected to participate in this study through a questionnaire survey and interviews. A five point Lickert scale was used for data collection, while data was analysed one way Anova. One of the main findings of the quantitative study is that the main problem faced by visitors to Diyatha Uyana is environmental noise. As the one way Anova significant value was 0.012, the researchers conducted a SWOT Analysis to identify the possibility of creating a policy framework. In conclusion, the researchers proposed a greewall policy to reduce noise, with the recommendation that the greenwall be increased in park areas. The researchers also recommended that the government should consider implementing a greenwall policy in order to develop Diyatha Uyana, as well as when creating new urban parks.