CHAPTER ONE

THE DESIGN OF THE STUDY

1.1       INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, man has sought for and recreate in one form or the

other. History has shown that every community has always devised its recreational

activities and sometimes adopted those of other communities. Recreation is an

activity in which an individual or group of persons engages by choice to derive

personal satisfaction in terms of relaxation, entertainment, personal development

and well being. Recreation is fundamental in human life. It is needed and carried

out in various forms by human being. Recreation facilities create demand for land

and specialized facilities. Therefore, planners try to make adequate plans for the

future by providing information about both the present situation of recreational

facilities as well as the demand.

1.2       STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

Gombe town, like most urban centres in the developing countries has both

traditional and modern forms of recreational activities.   These cities have

continued to experience changes in the patterns of recreation interms of types of

facilities and usage.

These changes are observed in Gombe where some traditional forms of

recreational activities such as ‘Langa’ sharo; ‘gada’ etc are changing and being

replaced with modern forms of recreational activities such as footballing, athletics,

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cinema viewing, etc. Also in Gombe, there are groups which organizes some