Management and Maintenance of Recreational Areas in Townships of Pune

Management and Maintenance of Recreational Areas in Townships of Pune

Janhavi. Y. Zurange1 Ar. Gayatri Desai2 1Fourth. B. ARCH B.K.P.S College of Architecture 2 Professor, B.K.P.S. College of Architecture, Pune.

Abstract:

The township is a well-planned urban development combining residential, commercial, recreational areas, along with all the amenities required for a community to sustain. "City with in a city (China Miéville) is the concept of the township where all the facilities are provided within the large area without residents needing to travel far. Recreational areas play a vital role and are essential for promoting physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being in communities or townships. Recreational areas, include parks, community spaces, sport facilities, gym, trails etc. As recreational areas are important part of townships it becomes very important for effective management and maintenance of recreational areas in townships, as management and maintenance of the recreational areas are crucial for safety, community well-being, environmental health, and the overall quality of life for residents. Magarpatta City (450 acre) and Nanded city (700 acres) are two major and important townships in Pune located at different locations having different problems. This paper reviews the management and maintenance of recreational areas of Nanded City and Magarpatta City & the challenges faced by facility management & by residents. Through a combination of field surveys, interviews with resident's online research and analysis of existing management frameworks, the study identifies key issues such as resource allocation and user satisfaction. This research paper concludes with a proposal of strategic recommendations aimed at improving the management frameworks, enhancing maintenance protocols, and fostering greater community participation by understanding resident's needs and the problems faced by them, we are trying to cater solutions to enhance the livability in the township.

Key words:

Townships, Recreational areas, Facility Management, Maintenance

1. Introduction:

   Township is a thoughtfully designed urban area that balances various land uses, infrastructure, and community needs to create a functional and livable environment. Recreational areas are designated spaces designed for leisure, recreation, and physical activities. These areas are crucial for enhancing the quality of life in communities by providing opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and social interaction.

   Type of recreational areas:

   • Parks: Community or neighborhood parks featuring green spaces, walking trails, and playgrounds.

     • Sports Facilities: Areas equipped for organized sports, such as stadiums, courts, and fields for activities like basketball, soccer, and tennis.

     • Nature Reserves: Protected areas focused on conserving natural habitats, offering trails for hiking and wildlife observation.

     • Community Centers: Facilities that offer indoor recreational activities, classes, and events for residents.

     • Shopping center: Shopping centers located within or near recreational areas offer a unique blend of leisure and retail experiences.

     • Green Spaces: The inclusion of lawns, gardens, and trees provides a natural setting for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities.

   The management and maintenance of recreational areas in townships are essential for fostering vibrant, healthy, and engaged communities. By prioritizing safety, enhancing user experiences, and involving residents, townships can ensure that these valuable spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for all. Despite the challenges they face, effective strategies can lead to sustainable improvements, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents. Through dedicated management and community involvement, recreational areas can thrive as essential components of township life. This research focuses on the management and maintenance of recreational areas specifically within two prominent townships in Pune: Magarpatta City and Nanded City.

   Fig 01. Map showing location of Magarpatta and Nanded City (Source: Internet)

   Magarpatta City and Nanded City, which are designed to provide residents with a blend of modern living and essential amenities. A crucial aspect of these townships is the management and maintenance of recreational areas, which serve as vital spaces for community interaction, physical activity, and relaxation.

2. Aim and Objectives:

   1. Aim:

      To study and analysis management and maintenance of recreational areas in townships of Pune: Nanded City and Magarpatta City.

      2.2. Objectives:

      • To study the existing management frameworks for recreational areas in Magarpatta City and Nanded City.

      • To examine the maintenance procedures and protocols employed in these townships, focusing on their effectiveness, frequency, and impact on the condition of recreational spaces.

      • To identify and document the primary challenges faced in the management and maintenance of recreational areas.

      • To suggest mitigation way to improve management and maintenance of recreational areas.

3. Review of Literature:

   Recreational areas play a vital role in townships. This literature review examines the management and maintenance of recreational areas in Magarpatta City and Nanded City highlighting the following points.

   1. Importance of recreational areas:

      Recreational areas serve as community hubs where residents can gather, fostering social bonds and a sense of belonging. Cohen, D. A., McKenzie, T. L., Sehgal, A., Williamson, S., & Golinelli, D. (2007). The importance of recreational areas extends beyond mere leisure; they are essential for physical health, mental well-being, social interaction, and environmental sustainability. By investing in and maintaining these spaces, communities can enhance the quality of life for all residents, more engaged, and connected population.

   2. Opinion of residents on current management practice of recreational areas:

      Residents' opinions on the management of recreational areas often reflect their experiences and expectations regarding the quality, accessibility, and overall functionality of these spaces. While many residents appreciate the efforts made to maintain and enhance these spaces, there are often calls for improvements in maintenance, safety, accessibility, and community involvement.

   3. Role of facility management:

      Facility management plays a crucial role in ensuring that recreational areas are well-maintained, safe, and accessible for the community. Effective facility management encompasses a range of responsibilities, from routine maintenance to strategic planning, all aimed at enhancing the user experience. Maintaining recreational areas is essential for promoting health, safety, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. These spaces not only provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents. By prioritizing the maintenance of recreational areas, comunities can ensure they remain valuable assets that benefit everyone.

   4. Maintenance Strategies:

   Implementing effective maintenance strategies for recreational areas is essential for ensuring their longevity, safety, and attractiveness. By focusing on routine inspections, preventive maintenance, community involvement, sustainability, safety measures, equipment management, professional training, budgeting, and long-term planning, management can create and maintain vibrant recreational spaces that serve the needs of the community. These strategies not only enhance user satisfaction but also contribute to the overall health and well- being of residents.

   The above point focuses on what to keep in mind for management and maintenance of recreational areas in townships. Despite both the Magarpatta and Nanded City are well known townships, they face challenges in managing recreational areas. Issues such as limited funding, urbanization pressures, and the need for ongoing community engagement.

4. Methodology:

   A survey was conducted in the form of interview and questionnaire among residents living there about how are recreational areas maintained and what are the problems faced while using these areas and one on one interview with the facility management about what are current management practices and challenges faced by them while maintaining recreational areas. Through a combination of field surveys, interviews with residents, and analysis of existing management frameworks, the study identifies key issues such as resource allocation and user satisfaction. Along with that this research also include review of research on management and maintenance.

   Data collection: Interviews, observational studies, questionnaire.

   4.1. Sampling:

   The survey was conducted among 20 residents from each township and 1 form by facility management. Residents of all age groups were selected for the survey.

5. Analysis and Finding:

   1. Case 1: Magarpatta City

      Magarpatta city is in Hadapsar which was established in 2000 in area about 430 acres which is surrounded by Commercial, Residential, shopping malls, and around 25 acres of Eco Garden "Aditi Garden it provides facilities such as Hospitals, School, Banking and for recreational activity there are playground, gymkhana. IT is surrounded by this township such as SEZ.

      FIG: 02. Map of Magarpatta city (Source Internet)

      Residents who were living there for 2 to 15 years fill in the questionnaire. According to responses of residents, All the recreational activities, celebration of festivals like Ganesh festival, Diwali Celebrations etc., Independence Day, Republic Day etc. are celebrated in Eco Garden or Aditi Garden and amphitheater which is present right besides Aditi Garden and maximum footfall in recreational areas is seen during evening (4 pm to 6pm).

      Seasons significantly impact the maintenance and management of recreational areas. As per the maximum responses more management and maintenance is needed in monsoon season. As there is a risk of mud and slippery surfaces, flooding and water accumulation etc., therefore more care must be taken.

      For maintenance of recreational areas facility management has appointed employees for Magarpatta City who take care of maintenance of landscaped in open spaces, garden, sport facilities, community spaces.

      Well maintained drainage systems around recreational areas minimize hazards like flooding or muddy conditions.

      If the drainage system is not well maintained it can cause many diseases which will affect residents. So, management of drainage system around recreational areas plays vital role. According to residents drainage system around recreational areas are well maintained by facility management and there are no such diseases caused due to it.

      All 20 responses say that facility management takes immediate action once the complaint is registered.

      1. Park

         Residents visit the park daily, once a week, on occasion and rarely have responded to this questionnaire.

         According to them the parks are well maintained. The walking path along the park is kept clean, but more maintenance is needed in monsoon season as it gets muddy and sometimes slippery. Residents have also observed that mosquito repellent and pest control is done monthly. Maximum residents say that equipment of children's play area is well maintained.

         Even parents of children have responded they do feel safe for their children in parks but there are also people from outside who visit townships in one-on-one interview they said that actions should be taken on this issue.

         According to residents they want dog parks in townships.

      2. Sport Facility

         Sport facilities are vital for enhancing the quality of life in townships and promoting physical health.

         Facilities for various sports, including tennis, basketball, and badminton, swimming pool etc. are present there.

         According to residents sport facilities are well maintained and residents feel safe in terms of security.

         But the only drawback is that residents want a big club house and swimming pool as the existing one is not sufficient.

         1. Community Spaces

            As per maximum residents community spaces are well maintained, and seating areas are in good condition. 80% of residents feel that the parking provided for community spaces is sufficient and 20% of people responded that parking is not sufficient as if there are visitors they are anyhow or is a pay and park system.

            FIG: 03 Aditi Garden and Amphitheater FIG: 04. Children play area in society of Magarpatta city and swimming pool (Source: Internet)

         2. Facility Management:

         Facility management plays a crucial role in maintaining and managing townships, ensuring that residential and commercial areas are safe, clean, functional, and sustainable. Every day, garbage is collected and treated within Magarpatta City and very little waste is sent out to landfills. According to the response by the facility management they use both recycled as well as co-operation water for maintaining green spaces and landscapes around the township. Around 70 to 100 employees are appointed by the management to maintain recreational areas all over the township, giving bonuses or incentives to employees during the time of the festival. Maintenace cost for the residents differ for different societies

         For safety of the recreational areas in terms of security there are only security cameras used. According to facility management time to time inspection is also carried out. They do not carry out any awareness camp among residents to spread awareness about management and maintenance of recreational areas.

   2. Case 2: Nanded City

   Nanded City is a township located in the south-west of Pune, India. Construction began in 2010 and continues to develop itself with newer housing societies. (Source: Internet)

   Fig 05. Map showing location of Magarpatta and Nanded City

   (Source: Internet)

   Nanded City prioritizes the well-being of its residents by providing a wealth of amenities. Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, are established within the township, ensuring that quality education is easily accessible. Healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, are also strategically placed, offering residents timely medical care.

   Shopping and entertainment options with local markets and malls providing a variety of retail choices. The presence of parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities promotes an active lifestyle, encouraging outdoor activities and social interaction among residents.

   Residents living there from 1 to 15 years filled in the questionnaire and gae one on one interviews. According to them all festivals, Independence Day, republic day are celebrated in amphitheater or on ground and small events are celebrated in the designated club house for play areas of the respective societies. Maximum footfall is during morning, evening (4pm to 6pm) and night (6pm onwards) and less footfall is in afternoon.

   Maximum maintenance of recreational areas is needed during monsoon season as there is growth of unwanted vegetation, muddy surface etc.

   The management of recreational areas in terms of cleanliness is good and excellent. For maintenance employees are appointed by management as well as to collect garbage there are cooperation vehicles and actions are taken immediately once the complaint is registered by residents but sometimes it is delayed as per the responses of residents.

   Drainage systems around recreational areas are well maintained and there are no such diseases caused by it.

   9.2.1 Park

   Parks play a very important role in any community, townships etc. In Nanded city there are several parks, and research was conducted between residents visiting park daily, once a week and on occasions only according to

   them parks are well maintained along with children's play equipment. But 40% of residents feel that parks are not safe for children as people from outside also enter the township.

   5.2.2 Sport Facility

   Sport facilities are vital for enhancing the quality of life in townships and promoting physical health.

   Facilities for various sports, including tennis, basketball, and badminton, swimming pool etc. are present there.

   According to residents sports facilities are well maintained.19 responses respond that the swimming pool is also well maintained. 12 residents say that equipment and pitches are well maintained, and 8 residents say that they are not. and residents feel safe in terms of security.

   But the only drawback is that there are not much fitness center in the townships.

   5.2.3. Community Spaces

   As per maximum residents community spaces are well maintained, and seating areas are in good condition. As per the responses there is parking problem and not sufficient place to park, as a result people park their vehicles anyhow for example For the Destination Center 1 present in Nanded city people park their two vehicles on ramp as a result it limits access for 4 vehicles. Blocking ramps can create hazards for pedestrians. As per the response of residents, they want mandir to be built in townships as there aren't any.

   5.2.4. Facility Management

   In Nanded City, the facility management system incorporates recycled water for maintaining landscape, parks, green spaces etc. More than 100 employees are appointed by the management to maintain recreational areas all over the township, giving bonuses or incentives to employees during the time of the festival. Maintenace cost for the residents differ for different societies. For safety of the recreational areas in terms of security there are only security cameras used. According to facility management time to time inspection is also carried out. They do not carry out any awareness camp among residents to spread awareness about management and maintenance of recreational areas.

6. Conclusion

The study concludes that both Magarpatta and Nanded cities located at different locations of Pune city are well planned townships, providing recreational areas such as parks, sport facilities, shopping centers etc. The recreational areas of both the townships are well maintained and well managed by facility management of both the townships. Still from the study, the following problems are identified, and solutions are suggested.

References:

• Fakrudin, I.H., Suleiman, M.Z., Taib, R. (2011). "The need to implement Malaysia's Building and Common Property Act 2007 (Act 663) in building maintenance management", Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 9 Issue: 3, pp.170 180 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235299805_The_need_to_implement_Malaysia's_Building_ and_Common_Property_Act_2007_Act_663_in_building_maintenance_management

• M.S. Khalid, A.H. Ahmad, M.F. Sakdan. The Challenges of Maintaining and Managing High Rise Buildings: Commercial Vs Residential Buildings, International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE) ISSN: 2277-3878, Volume-7 Issue-6S2, April 2019

  https://www.ijrte.org/wp-content/uploads/papers/v7i6s2/F10280476S219.pdf

• Mayank Bharakhada, Sanaya Baraskar, Meet Harsora, Janmesh Rawal, Swati Dhurve. Facility Management in Residential Township, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Volume: 06 Issue: 03 Mar 2019

  IRJET- International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology

• Che-Ani AI, Tawil NM, Sairi A, Abdullah NAG, Tahir MM, Surat M. Facility management indicators for high-rise residential property in Malaysia. WSEAS Trans Environ Dev. 2010;6(4):26776. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289425501_Facility_management_indicators_for_high- rise_residential_property_in_Malaysia

• Sanjay Karodpati, Uday Kakde, Challenges and Solutions for Facility Management in Housing Societies,International Journal of Recent Advancesin Multidisciplinary TopicsVolume 2, Issue 2, February 2021, ISSN (Online): 2582-7839

Welcome to IJRAMT