LAUSR

Public spaces in the human society predate the built environment. Settlements expanding unto open spaces necessitate statutory control to ensure orderly development and mutual existence of various land uses. In developing countries like Nigeria, public spaces are subjected to encroachment and depletion. These result from rapid urbanization, population increase and space demand for human activities. Extant development control regulations seem ineffective in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital. Illegal development into public spaces is alarming, subtracting vital greenery and environmental quality from the city. This paper assesses the state of the environment to determine the extent of encroachment, and examines causal factors. Methods includes the review of existing planning laws pertaining to the establishment and maintenance of setbacks, open spaces and parks; and other related issues from literature sources. Questionnaire administration, interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation in selected city districts generated primary data. Findings reveal deplorable state of the environment occasioned by audacious encroachment of public spaces mainly by informal commercial activities. Ignorance of good quality environment, lack of effective governmental control, and people's desire for economic benefits are among factors responsible for these public spaces disruption. The research establishes that the city is devoid of greenery, while aesthetics, environmental quality, mobility, health, and livability are adversely affected. It is recommended that the State Government and municipal authority should strictly enforce extant statutory development control laws to reclaim lost socio-cultural spaces and revitalize urban green places. Functional 'trading/market' places should be incorporated into some of these spaces as development solution for informal sector economic activities, and thereby cater for the needs of itinerant traders and the urban populace. These measures, guided by a well-structured green city master plan, guarantee the return of the greens and biodiversity into the cityscape, and also provide avenues for making future sense of a great place in Ado-Ekiti, the fledging capital city of Ekiti State, Nigeria.