The role of pulic participation in developing the urban park

Abstract

Public participation is now globally approved as a mean for increasing social integration in urban areas and a fundamental indicator for sustainable development. Parks in this context play a crucial role. They provide a suitable place for community members to participate in different ranges of activities and programs. If planned they are able to noticeably enhance residents’ quality of life. In this regard, present study is going to investigate the appropriateness of public participation techniques which might consequently solve existing issues of public participation in Mutiara Rini Park. .we are seeking for the most appropriate public participation technique for ensuring the best scenario for urban park development matching users needs and requirements Mutiara Rini Park situated in Skudai-Johor Bahru has been chosen as the project’s study area. The research has applied both qualitative and quantitative methods including semi-structured interview, questionnaire and informal observation. The first phase of the project designed to identify the best technique of public participation respecting users’ needs. Results of this phase show that respondents prefer managing and designing workshops and team working programs like exhibition, seminars and making models as the best technique of public participation. The second phase encompasses evaluating potential options for enhancing the level of public participation in so-called park. The major contribution of the thesis is to highlight the participation technique to be incorporated into urban park development process in Mutiara Rini Park as well as a tool for achieving a better quality of life for urban residents