SoC04 Transforming Underutilized Urban Zones into Multi-Purpose Recreation Areas

MulengaMulenga · 2024-06-08T10:00:41+00:00

Do we need an 18-hole golf course right in the city center of Dar es Salaam? Can flood-prone areas such as Jangwani be turned into public parks? Do vast military zones have to be located in urban hotspots? The theme Tanzania Tuitakayo (The Tanzania We Want) implies that we are looking for transformations in our country that benefit not just a few individuals, but bring about positive change for a large number of citizens. This Story of Change argues that the quality of life in Tanzania’s urban centers has great potential to be elevated if we are not afraid to challenge the present situation and set the right (= citizen-centered) priorities. In many Tanzanian cities, you will find vast areas of land that are either not used at all or serve a purpose that does not require them to be located in highly active urban settings. I am speaking of abandoned industrial complexes, military areas, golf courses, flood-prone zones and so forth. We have a lot of those areas in our cities, but at the same time, what we are lacking are quality recreational areas like public gardens or parks with seating arrangements, playgrounds, event spaces and sports facilities like football or basketball courts. Imagine you are stressed after a long day of work or just want to relax on the weekend. What if there was a big public park nearby where you could take a walk while using the public Wi-Fi, do some sports like jogging, play with your children, or just chill with your friends in one of the sitting areas. Because those facilities are almost nonexistent or only accessible to a smaller elite, the quality of life in big Tanzanian cities is much lower than in other African metropoles like Kigali, where the focus of urban planning is more closely aligned to people’s recreational needs. For a positive change like that to happen, it is a must to rethink existing urban plans and not be afraid of questioning old customs. Example of a smaller public park in Kigali City. (Link to Source) Example: Moving Military Areas out of Urban Spaces and to the Outskirts of Town There is no doubt that we all acknowledge the importance of the military for the functioning of the nation. What this proposed idea is arguing for is not to remove military areas but to shift them to a place outside of the city center. The shift to new areas where the military can conduct all activities as usual will even open up new opportunities and larger operating areas for them. On top of that, they would not be bothered by the density and the disturbing traffic in the city. In return, the previously occupied land can now be developed for recreational areas such as a beautiful, green parks with amusement areas, playgrounds, outdoor restaurants and so on. The previous environment and forests in the military area will not be destroyed because they will be part of the new plans. At the end of the day, it is a win-win situation for the military, which receives new development opportunities and for the citizens, who can easily access recreational areas nearby their homes. (Link to Source) Running costs like park security or waste management could partly be financed through renting out plots for outdoor restaurants or smaller shops located within the premises of the recreational area. In general, public gardens increase the attractivity of a city and serve as a catalyst for higher numbers of tourists, which boosts the economy at large. Also, some regulations need to be installed so that these areas do not turn into big commercial areas like marketplaces and remain in a clean state. Similar changes could be made to areas like golf courses that occupy a lot of space and are only accessible to a few people who belong to the rich elite. The members of the golf course can still play their beloved sport on the newly selected area on the outskirts of town and at the same time, become beneficiaries of a new green park within the city center. The Benefits of Investing in Urban Parks Investments in urban parks and recreational areas have multiple proven benefits in different sectors. Urban parks enhance citizens’ mental and physical health because they encourage them to engage in sports activities like jogging or games and serve as spaces to relax and reduce stress, anxiety or depression. Green areas have positive impacts on the environment because they improve the air quality and reduce the heat in the surrounding urban areas. Attractive green spaces enhance the beauty and functionality of the cityscape and thus attract more visitors and tourists, who also strengthen the surrounding economy (e.g. restaurants, shops and hotels). The revenue from the increase in tourism can be reinvested to fund more green urban spaces. In flood prone areas, the surfaces of gardens and parks can absorb more rainwater than sealed surfaces and thus reduce the risk of floods. Urban parks are venues for community activities and events that enhance social cohesion. Summary Recreational areas such as urban parks are key investments if we want to live in more sustainable, healthy, vibrant and attractive cities. The benefits range from enhanced health and free time activities for citizens to more economic income opportunities and a higher resilience towards natural catastrophe protection. It seems evident that these changes could really lead to a more livable Tanzania in the next 5, 10 or 25 years. But changes like this require brave and creative city planners and decision-makers who are willing to rethink their thinking and put the well-being of citizens at the center of their action. The question to ask is this: Do we want our cities to become ever growing concrete jungles that are hostile to people and prone to catastrophes, or do we want resilient, livable and attractive urban spaces that enable life to flourish? (Link to Source)

Thread starter MulengaMulenga
Start date Jun 8, 2024

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MulengaMulenga

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SoC04 Transforming Underutilized Urban Zones into Multi-Purpose Recreation Areas

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