"JUS HERE CHILLIN WIT MY CREW"...The Role of Parks in Urban Areas

As a child, I used to think hanging at the park at different times of the day had a different purpose for each time. Mornings were when the older folks would sit and chat, afternoons were when the children and teens would play and gossip and evenings were when the young adults came to have a few drinks or relax with their other halves under the starlight. However, the older I got the more I came to wonder what it was about parks that made people feel like it was the place to be .  I knew it's purpose was for  social reasons but it never occurred to me the impacts that these park areas  had on these social gatherers  . 

a walk in the park, anyone?

In fact, research shows that presence of natural assets (i.e. urban parks and forests,green belts) and components (i.e. trees, water) in urban contexts contributes to the quality of life in many

ways. (Chiesura, 2002). In urban areas, factors such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, and the regular hustle and bustle contribute greatly to people's stressful lives that they often seek outlets even though it is just for a few minutes to recuperate.    Sitting or walking through the  park may

reduce stress (Ulrich, 1981), enhance contemplation, rejuvenate the city dweller, and provide a sense

of peacefulness and tranquility (Kaplan, 1983). The fact remains in order for cities to be livable, there must be some factor put in place to assist the enhancement of citizens' social and psychological well being, and parks/recreation grounds serve this purpose. It became clearer to me that not only do people not want to live like robots working everyday but parks and squares also allowed them to establish and strengthen relationships with people they meet or already know in these social settings.

the last line says "the square continues to be used as  a meeting ground for informal public debates, relaxation, social events and political rallies"

The Presence of squares should also be mentioned though different from parks in form serve similar purposes of gathering, entertainment and relaxation.

Socializing at Woodford Square


I thought this video was so insightful as to the roles of parks in urban areas and the effects they have on people's daily lives. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiIIst2nSHI

 Nature can

encourage the use of outdoor spaces, increases social

integration and interaction among neighbors (Coley

et al., 1997)

What's with all this Garbage??

Everyone who knows me are more than aware of the major reason why urban areas like Tunapuna or Port of Spain upsets me. They know that I come from a small island that markets itself as the 'Nature Isle of the Caribbean', where every town and community extols its beauty. Pollution back home is something rarely found and as an ecotourism destination, it is sure kept at a distance. Government officials ensure of this and if by any chance they slack off there are community efforts ever present to engage in beautification projects on beaches, near rivers, or even in their own communities.

garbage on Frederick Street

This  photo taken on Frederick Street,  looks like this bag of rubbish has been abandoned, the contents of the bag exposed on the street corner where people walk by or stand to wait for taxis. 


The photo below is on another street outside of a business establishment where it appears that the owners dispose of unwanted boxes in this manner and passersby or owners of nearby food stalls fill them up with their own refuse.

In addition, it is not only the sight that poses a disgrace to me, the unbearable smell of the cities is so unpleasant that in my opinion should be considered a hazard. This quote from Chief Seattle a Native American Indian, illustrates activity on these streets, “Like a man who has been dying for many days, a man in your city is numb to the stench.” People walk about, work around even live among these sights and smells almost as if it has become a part of their lives.

The dust from vehicles are so abundant that you will be amazed at what you see after looking at a tissue that you have wiped your face on. As soon as I get home, I throw my clothes in the laundry and take a shower...yes it IS that serious to me. 

Being that I am not from here, my question is that what is the role of the urban council in attempting you make these issues better? I am sure there should be some measures in place to deal with the clogged gutters that produce the stenches and the garbage that piles up along the sidewalks. It seems as if nobody cares about the sickness or diseases that may be caused by this and the days go on 'business as usual'. 

The American Journal of Environmental Sciences produced an article on Waste Disposal and Pollution Management in Urban Areas: A Workable Remedy for the Environment in Developing Countries. 

It states that in urban areas of developing countries more profound pressures from human activities and population densities contribute fundamentally to pollution levels. Businesses are being established every so often, whether legit or squatting their contribution too is significant.  Is it that there is an inadequate source of resources such as technology, finance or policy frameworks even that can cause some alleviation to this health hazard?  It is no secret in the law of economics that private businesses sole purpose is to make profits, but would it not serve a business owner (s) the upper hand to give back to his community by investing in proper waste management regardless of government officials laws. Simple actions such as recycling goes a long way. 

The attitudes of individuals toward pollution hazards I believe is also an important factor for I believe if a solution must be met, people need to cooperate and cooperation will only occur if they begin to care. One factor that always get people to care about the environment is not telling them to keep it clean for health reasons nor is it to preserve it for their children but to give them something of material or monetary value. Yes I know, it sounds like bribery but it's what works. After all, we don't wish to end up like the this video of Greece ( supposedly a more developed country than us). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kkg71wLtx2s

WHOSE CULTURE IS IT ANYWAY ... In urban context... ?

I love walking around...it really helps me to clear my mind, especially in the city of Port of Spain. Coming from where I'm from the buildings form and structures there are not as they are here in Trinidad. Almost every building passed is two or more stories a midst skyscrapers, a perfect mix of a transition from post industrial into modernization. The presence of retail/commercial, financial, government and hotel buildings give this variety of form and structure that I speak of. But it is almost impossible to see buildings that have been restored to it's former context and any sense of such would be in a dilapidated state. It is furthermore imperative to note the upcoming commonality of these buildings to other buildings in the more modern or "first world" countries and the adoption of foreign franchises thus creating a very homogeneous city.

 KFC right opposite Royal Bank of Canada Port of Spain

In almost every Caribbean island one urban form/structure that is always evident is food franchises such as the KFC in the photo above. While walking between Frederick Street and Henry Street in Port of Spain the most active parts there are at least 2  fast food franchise  restaurants of each of the following from KFC to subway to Churches Chicken (perhaps one on each street). But the count of local restaurants are very minimal in these areas. It is true that globalization both diversifies and enriches culture but as a foreigner I would love to experience more of that local cuisine; liked to see even a few Asian restaurants, or one or two Indian  stores selling saris like they do in Tunapua as opposed to the endless stores that sell mainstream clothing.  Then I would come to accept and understand it is the people that make up the urban area in Port of Spain and not just the influence of a few well known companies that insist on "Mc Donaldizing" the global South in the name of 'development.' When we adopt the businesses, style of buildings, clothing, music from the North, I begin to wonder, whose culture is it that is persistent in the urban areas of countries?

Here is a  little video on the globalisation of KFC; it's interesting to note at the end what country most of their sales come from. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALk3pZi1gM

Enjoy and don't forget to leave a comment below...THANKS :)

COMMUTING: Riding the bus is a Pain in the...!!!

awaiting transportation at City Gate

Boarding the bus at City Gate

Commuting in itself is seriously annoying. The repetitive act of travelling to and from a place of destination daily, waiting on transportation, sitting through traffic, arriving late to work/school and the brief feeling of accomplishment after reaching home finally only to repeat the cycle on the following day. YES! It is a serious pain. However, it is a must for social and/or economic purposes. At The 4:00 pm rush hour  the bus station in Port of Spain is booming with commuters, anxious to leave the city after a long day. Some are boarding the bus, some are in line waiting on the bus while others either sit and socialize or walk about to pass the time.

So I would think why anyone would want to endure the pain of commuting daily, through the traffic of people, and other vehicles? Well the primary reason is, IT'S CHEAP! During tough times everyone looks for the next best way to save a few dollars. By spending less money on bus tickets over a monthly period than on gasoline helps by putting the excess money into other areas like food...and everyone loves food! Also, public transportation buses have scheduled departure and arrival times. It's up to the commuter to know if the schedule ties into their working hours. The buses also travel along particular routes to ensure quick and easy access so if you miss the bus that was on time...that's your fault.

So saving a little money makes a commuter very happy, even happier after he spends it on a little fete, or on a new outfit. I guess my point is the opportunity cost for commuting via  the bus may be worth it in the long run. It may be wise to ride with friends and gossip a bit to pass the time. Here's a  video via youtube on commuting; though its setting is not Caribbean, the principles in there pretty much look like the ones I use on the bus route. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-CxDZIgWfg. Enjoy!