This research examines planning for recreational facilities and open spaces in townships. In this regard, various planning methods and approaches to planning for recreational facilities open spaces have been reviewed. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used in the study. Secondary sources were used in defining the nature of recreational facilities and spaces whereas the primary sources provided experiential knowledge. The study assessed the adequacy and appropriateness of recreational facilities and open spaces for the youth in the township. Different methods were employed in data collection and analysis. This includes the use of a questionnaire, check lists and documents. Questionnaires presented responses from the youth on the topic whereas check list represents the researchers' observations gathered through field survey. The research focus examined suitability, quality and quantity of recreational facilities and open spaces for the youth in ESikhawini. The results reveal that recreational open spaces show varying degrees of suitability and quality. Poor quality of spaces was characterized with lack of visual appropriateness as a result of littering, maintenance and lack of open space furniture. As such conclusion and recommendations to improve the situation are made. These findings are useful to planners, urban designers, architects and developers in making decisions in the planning for recreational facilities and spaces in township environment. / Thesis (M.T.U.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2009.

This thesis provides an overview of the public open space policy for Durban and surroundings. The focus of the research is the sustainability of the open space policy with special emphasis on the integration of the natural environment, social aspects and economic factors within the open space system itself. Through this dissertation an attempt was made to ascertain to what extent the Open Space Policy of the Durban Metropolitan Area is sustainable. In order to achieve this it was necessary to specifically consider the status quo of the current open space policies internationally and locally with emphasis on the ecologically orientated Durban Metropolitan Open Space System. More appropriate public open space within the natural environment and urban context was considered, especially in respect of social needs and the aspirations and perceptions of communities with regards parks, sports fields, play areas, community areas, urban agriculture and natural areas. Social aspects, such as public participation and education, and economic implications were also investigated and considered. In order to locate this work theoretically and contextually, current planning theory and sustainable development was analysed. In addition existing policies, initiatives and strategies responsible for shaping development and consequently the local public open space policy in the Durban Metropolitan area were investigated. The dissertation argues that the success of a 'sustainable' policy is ultimately based in collaborative planning and implementation as well as appropriate management of the system. Current theory pertaining to sustainable management in the form of private / public partnerships was investigated and tested through selected case studies in Westville and Clermont. This dissertation concludes that sustainability is a process and that the public open space policy of the Durban Metropolitan Area, although attempting to achieve overall sustainability requires to address specifically, social needs and more appropriate collaborative planning and management strategies. Broad strategies to achieve this were considered and guidelines for a more sustainable public open space were proposed. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.

This project was conducted with the view of extending the Durban Municipal Open Space System into surrounding municipalities. It was aimed at adopting a holistic approach to nature conservation by providing for the needs of the current human population whilst ensuring the long term survival of representative natural biota of the area. A preliminary study was conducted to: provide a basis for a more detailed vegetation survey; to assess the current public open space areas and to determine the land use history of the area. The vegetation was categorised into 14 community types and mapped to provide the basis for more detailed sampling. A survey of public open spaces revealed that most of the public parks were not providing for the needs of the local residents and that nature reserves and sports fields were more popular than conventional public parks. The land use history study revealed that the study area has been utilised for: cultivation; grazing; market gardening and more recently residential and industrial development purposes. A vegetation survey using phytosociological methods revealed that the vegetation in Queensburgh was dominated by alien invasive plant species although pockets of indigenous vegetation did occur. Drawing from the principles of reticular biogeography an open space system was designed using the information gained from the vegetation survey and preliminary study. The design included: 4 core areas where conservation was a priority; 3 corridors linking the core areas and a number of buffer areas. A general management plan was subsequently developed for the system. Management suggestions were concerned with: ecological; economical and sociological aspects. The open space system offers Queensburgh the opportunity to contribute to the national reconstruction and development program (RDP) by upgrading the current standard of living of the local residents without compromising the natural resources available to future generations. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1994.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1996.