Community Engagement Strategies in Public Urban Parks: A Review of Ndubuisi Kanu, Muri Okunola and Freedom Park in Lagos State

Community engagement in public urban parks plays a critical role in the social, cultural, and environmental well-being of urban populations. This study reviews community engagement strategies employed at three prominent public urban parks in Lagos State, Nigeria - Ndubuisi Kanu Park in Ikeja, Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, and Freedom Park on Lagos Island. These parks, managed under the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) and other government authorities, serve as essential green infrastructure within one of Africa's most densely populated megacities. The study adopts a descriptive review methodology, drawing on secondary sources including institutional reports, government publications, academic literature, and media records to investigate the nature, scope, and effectiveness of community engagement practices at each park. Findings reveal that engagement strategies vary significantly across the three parks: Ndubuisi Kanu Park prioritises environmental education, tree planting advocacy, and recreational programmes; Muri Okunola Park leverages cultural events, open-air art exhibitions, and social gatherings to foster community bonds; while Freedom Park employs heritage tourism, cultural performances, and historical interpretation to promote civic identity and public participation. The study concludes that sustainable community engagement in urban parks requires a multi-pronged approach that integrates environmental education, cultural programming, youth participation, public-private partnerships, and inclusive governance. Recommendations are made for stronger policy frameworks and community-centred management models to enhance the social functions of urban parks in Lagos State.