Abstract:
The public parks play a major role in health and social wellbeing of urban inhabitants. The government of Pakistan, in recent times has expressed a serious concern over deforestation and has shown significant interest in the development and sustainability of national park system across the country. The aim of this study was to investigate the community perceptions towards the environment and health improvement by using Fatima Jinnah Park, Islamabad. The study was carried out through structured surveys and interviews of the visitors and management of F. J. Park via random sampling techniques. The participants (250) of the survey/interview belonged to different age, gender and educational groups. Three types of variables were studied (a) Environmental awareness; (b) Heath of the citizens and (c) Economic benefit of F.J. Park. The pragmatic form of research methods was used as it combined the characteristics of both qualitative and quantitative research.
The results showed economic benefits to the local economy from visitor’s expenditure and creation of employment and it seems as an environmental improvement project. It has enhanced the socio-cultured, economic and natural environment for the citizens of Islamabad.
