There's no doubt that public spaces play an important role in our various communities, serving as gathering places for recreation, social interaction, exercise, cultural events, and even art displays, etc.
Although showing respect and care for public spaces is part of civic responsibility, but I believe that aesthetic, to a large extent plays a role in the way people treat public spaces.
There's a saying in my dialect that "ihe oma na anya gbara ndụ", which simply means that "the eyes love beauty."
People are naturally drawn to beautiful and attractive spaces, and would always love to be around there. By visiting these spaces, they're likely to build a strong connection that inspires respect and care, and equally feel invested in it's maintenance.
That's the power of beauty.
Beyond aesthetics, people may be drawn to care for public spaces because of what they represent or mean to them. Some public spaces like town squares, museums, beaches, etc. often embody the community's history, cultural heritage and values. The people, will no doubt feel a sense of responsibility towards the spaces, knowing what they stand for.
More so, people might also be inspired to care for public spaces because of personal values like civic pride, environmental stewardship, or a sense of responsibility to their community.
For example, an environmental friendly person might embark on personal environmental clean up, green initiative - planting of trees in their local park or maintaining a community garden, etc.
I have on several occasions, carried out a personal environmental clean up in my neighborhood. The desire to do so stemmed from my love and deep connection with nature.
In addition, strong community bond can equally be the key to caring for public spaces. When people feel connected to their community, they'll more likely be inclined to work together to protect and care for their shared spaces.
For example, residents who feel a sense of pride for their communities would always organize regular clean up exercises to keep their streets clean and safe. This collective effort will not only impact the environment but their individual lives too. A clean environment fosters community pride, and equally essential for one's well-being, health and quality of life.
However, some people often fail to respect and care for public spaces, even if they found them beautiful. They litter, damage and even vandalize properties.
This is simply an act of civic irresponsibility.
Not long ago, I witnessed a young lady drop an empty water bottle on the ground at a bus stop.
Not impressed with her action, I asked her to pick up the bottle, explaining that it was wrong to litter the area when she should have used the nearby trash bin. More so, the area was tidy and her actions would sabotage the efforts of the sanitation team and cause harm to the environment. Thankfully, she complied, although hesitantly.
Having said that, I think there's need to encourage people to be more eco-friendly, respect and take better care of public spaces. This could be done through;
Regular awareness campaigns and education.
Regular maintenance, repairs and cleaning up of public spaces, including provision of trash bins at strategic points.
Inclusivity - getting the people involved in the maintenance and decision-making processes regarding the public spaces. For example, organizing volunteer groups to maintain parks and gardens, general clean up exercises, etc
Lastly, establishing clear policies such as anti-littering, anti-vandalism regulations, etc, and enforcing them consistently.
Let's normalize respecting and caring for public spaces. It is to our own benefit.
Thank you for reading.
Author's Photos
