Santry River Restoration and Greenway Project
A new landscape plan for the Santry River, developed since 2019, envisions it as “the backbone of a green infrastructure project,” designed to support nature, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project will create a continuous route from the Dublin Bay Biosphere at St Anne’s Park to the wider hinterlands of Dublin at Sillogue.
The plan proposes transforming the Santry River into an “integrated green-blue landscape for ecology and recreation,” incorporating a variety of sports, cultural, and leisure activities. Through an agreement with Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council has commissioned studies to address the existing flood risks along the river.
The council’s goals for the Santry River include river restoration, flood mitigation, greenway development, and environmental protection, extending from the river’s origin in Harristown within Fingal County to its outlet at James Larkin Road. The project framework will span four years, with annual reviews and budget assessments.
The project team has engaged the public in early autumn of 2022 to gather input on these plans, as the Santry River project aims to create a vibrant River Park that integrates natural and recreational elements. Running through North Dublin, this new green-blue infrastructure will serve both ecological and community needs, offering opportunities for sports, culture, and relaxation. Ultimately, it will form a natural corridor linking the Dublin Bay Biosphere at St Anne’s Park with Sillogue, promoting biodiversity while enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists (2).
The plan proposes transforming the Santry River into an “integrated green-blue landscape for ecology and recreation,” incorporating a variety of sports, cultural, and leisure activities. Through an agreement with Fingal County Council and the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council has commissioned studies to address the existing flood risks along the river.
The council’s goals for the Santry River include river restoration, flood mitigation, greenway development, and environmental protection, extending from the river’s origin in Harristown within Fingal County to its outlet at James Larkin Road. The project framework will span four years, with annual reviews and budget assessments.
The project team has engaged the public in early autumn of 2022 to gather input on these plans, as the Santry River project aims to create a vibrant River Park that integrates natural and recreational elements. Running through North Dublin, this new green-blue infrastructure will serve both ecological and community needs, offering opportunities for sports, culture, and relaxation. Ultimately, it will form a natural corridor linking the Dublin Bay Biosphere at St Anne’s Park with Sillogue, promoting biodiversity while enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists (2).
Perch Creek Nature Trail & Preserve
Perch Creek is one of the many meanders that drain into Dog River (Ref 2), located just west of Mobile Bay (Ref 3). These areas include sensitive, tidally influenced marshes and flats where the brackish water of the Bay meets fresh waters (Ref 1). The Perch Creek Nature Trail & Preserve project aims to protect 96 acres on Perch Creek (Ref 3). It is part of efforts to revitalise Mobile’s coastal community and improve the water quality of the city's urban river (Ref 2), following the devastation of the BP oil disaster in 2010.
The project focuses on two main aspects: creating a low-impact recreational destination to spark economic redevelopment, and preserving Mobile’s coastal wetlands (Ref 1).
The conservation aspect involves wetland acquisition, marsh restoration, and invasive species management, improving water quality in both waterbodies (Ref 1). The area, rich in wildlife, requires habitat protection, including for migrating birds, foxes, alligators, manatees, and bald eagles (Ref 1). Brackish marshes on the property serve as nurseries for fish, while forested areas provide natural corridors for wildlife (Ref 3). The wetlands also play a role in flood control, acting as natural sponges to absorb rising tides and cleanse stormwater runoff before it reaches Mobile Bay (Ref 1). Additionally, they store stormwater, helping mitigate flooding as storms intensify (Ref 3).
The recreational aspect includes developing nature-based recreation, such as nature trails and kayak launches, as well as expanding public access to natural resources (Ref 3). In 2018, the Perch Creek section was added to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, with educational signage for kayakers (Ref 1).
This comprehensive project preserves vital habitats and flood-absorbing wetlands, while providing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting the coastal community's recovery (Ref 2). It combines high-quality water resources, wildlife connectivity, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation (Ref 3).
The project focuses on two main aspects: creating a low-impact recreational destination to spark economic redevelopment, and preserving Mobile’s coastal wetlands (Ref 1).
The conservation aspect involves wetland acquisition, marsh restoration, and invasive species management, improving water quality in both waterbodies (Ref 1). The area, rich in wildlife, requires habitat protection, including for migrating birds, foxes, alligators, manatees, and bald eagles (Ref 1). Brackish marshes on the property serve as nurseries for fish, while forested areas provide natural corridors for wildlife (Ref 3). The wetlands also play a role in flood control, acting as natural sponges to absorb rising tides and cleanse stormwater runoff before it reaches Mobile Bay (Ref 1). Additionally, they store stormwater, helping mitigate flooding as storms intensify (Ref 3).
The recreational aspect includes developing nature-based recreation, such as nature trails and kayak launches, as well as expanding public access to natural resources (Ref 3). In 2018, the Perch Creek section was added to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, with educational signage for kayakers (Ref 1).
This comprehensive project preserves vital habitats and flood-absorbing wetlands, while providing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting the coastal community's recovery (Ref 2). It combines high-quality water resources, wildlife connectivity, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation (Ref 3).
Poppintree Park
Ballymun is a suburban area on the north side of Dublin, Ireland. Originally developed in the 1960s, Ballymun was built to address Dublin’s post-war housing shortages, with iconic high-rise towers and flat complexes. However, over the years, the area faced social and economic challenges, leading to a reputation for issues such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of services.
In response, the Irish government launched the Ballymun Regeneration Project in the late 1990s. As part of the Ballymun Regeneration, Poppintree Park has been transformed into a 45-acre public space at the heart of Ireland’s celebrated urban renewal project in Ballymun Town Centre. This redevelopment followed an extensive public consultation process, incorporating input from local residents, sports clubs, community groups, and youth organizations.
Poppintree Park now offers a range of upgraded amenities, including a Tree Trail featuring 15 native tree species, enhanced biodiversity, extensive wetlands, sustainable drainage systems, and spaces for passive and active recreation. The park also features a 1.25-acre playground for children aged 0-12, an amphitheater with a permanent pond, and a fully accessible pathway network with abundant seating and viewing areas. Over 50,000 plants have been added to enhance the park’s natural beauty.
The park’s transformation, led by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., involved significant engineering and landscaping efforts. Mitchell + Associates provided the detailed landscape design, construction drawings, and supervised the landscape works.
Completed in 2010, Phase 1 of Poppintree Park’s redevelopment represents an investment exceeding €6 million. The project includes substantial earthworks, drainage systems, gabion walls, three limestone-paved entrance plazas, structural retaining walls, a cantilevered pond walkway, diverse path surfaces, and high-quality playground construction. (1-7, 10)
In response, the Irish government launched the Ballymun Regeneration Project in the late 1990s. As part of the Ballymun Regeneration, Poppintree Park has been transformed into a 45-acre public space at the heart of Ireland’s celebrated urban renewal project in Ballymun Town Centre. This redevelopment followed an extensive public consultation process, incorporating input from local residents, sports clubs, community groups, and youth organizations.
Poppintree Park now offers a range of upgraded amenities, including a Tree Trail featuring 15 native tree species, enhanced biodiversity, extensive wetlands, sustainable drainage systems, and spaces for passive and active recreation. The park also features a 1.25-acre playground for children aged 0-12, an amphitheater with a permanent pond, and a fully accessible pathway network with abundant seating and viewing areas. Over 50,000 plants have been added to enhance the park’s natural beauty.
The park’s transformation, led by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd., involved significant engineering and landscaping efforts. Mitchell + Associates provided the detailed landscape design, construction drawings, and supervised the landscape works.
Completed in 2010, Phase 1 of Poppintree Park’s redevelopment represents an investment exceeding €6 million. The project includes substantial earthworks, drainage systems, gabion walls, three limestone-paved entrance plazas, structural retaining walls, a cantilevered pond walkway, diverse path surfaces, and high-quality playground construction. (1-7, 10)
Sustainable Urban Drainage System in Potsdamer Platz
In an architecturally important area of Berlin, situated between the Landwehr Canal, the Kulturforum (the Berliner Philharmonie and the Berlin State Library) and the new construction on Potsdamer Platz, a combination of green and grey infrastructure has been realised to minimise the burden on Berlin’s existing water infrastructure.
Green and non-green roofs harvest annual rain, which flows through the site’s buildings and is used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and fire systems. The roofs retain and then release water to the large on-site buffer pond, which has five underground storage tanks. Next to the roofs, a series of urban ponds and connecting canals have been implemented, with a combined area of approximately 1.2 hectares. They are filled with rainwater, creating an oasis for urban life. Vegetated biotopes are integrated into the overland landscape and serve to filter and circulate the water that runs along streets and walkways. The lake’s water quality is excellent, forming a natural habitat for animals and cooling the surroundings, while fresh water usage in the buildings has been reduced. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref. 6)
The project was implemented in the 1990s as part of the development of Potsdamer Platz in the wake of the reunification of Germany. Several architects collaborated on the implementation that was completely privately funded. Beyond its ecological and technical features, the site is a blue natural site in the heavily built city centre of Berlin and allows people to linger and enjoy natural features. The drainage system won several sustainability prices and is considered a successful integration of nature and technology-based mechanisms to foster climate change adaptation. As the rainwater system stores rainwater in underground tanks and ponds, the urban sewage system is relieved during heavy rain, and water can evaporate. Therefore, the small water circle is closed, and the microclimate is cooled. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
Green and non-green roofs harvest annual rain, which flows through the site’s buildings and is used for toilet flushing, irrigation, and fire systems. The roofs retain and then release water to the large on-site buffer pond, which has five underground storage tanks. Next to the roofs, a series of urban ponds and connecting canals have been implemented, with a combined area of approximately 1.2 hectares. They are filled with rainwater, creating an oasis for urban life. Vegetated biotopes are integrated into the overland landscape and serve to filter and circulate the water that runs along streets and walkways. The lake’s water quality is excellent, forming a natural habitat for animals and cooling the surroundings, while fresh water usage in the buildings has been reduced. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2; Ref. 3; Ref. 6)
The project was implemented in the 1990s as part of the development of Potsdamer Platz in the wake of the reunification of Germany. Several architects collaborated on the implementation that was completely privately funded. Beyond its ecological and technical features, the site is a blue natural site in the heavily built city centre of Berlin and allows people to linger and enjoy natural features. The drainage system won several sustainability prices and is considered a successful integration of nature and technology-based mechanisms to foster climate change adaptation. As the rainwater system stores rainwater in underground tanks and ponds, the urban sewage system is relieved during heavy rain, and water can evaporate. Therefore, the small water circle is closed, and the microclimate is cooled. (Ref. 2; Ref. 6)
Green Blue Axis of Sintra, Oeiras and Amadora
The Green and Blue Axis (Eixo Verde e Azul, EVA) is an inter-municipal green corridor project connecting the municipalities of Sintra, Oeiras, and Amadora through a 15-kilometre green ecological axis along the Jamor River (Ref 2). It aims to renaturalize the river, improve water quality, and control flooding while promoting sustainable mobility through pedestrian and cycling routes (Ref 5). The project also enhances public access to green spaces and cultural heritage sites, such as the Queluz National Palace (Ref 6). EVA supports the Lisbon Metropolitan Area’s regional strategy for climate change adaptation, risk prevention, and low-carbon economy (Ref 4). Funded by the European Regional Development Fund and municipal budgets, the project has an overall investment of €11 million (Ref 1). EVA exemplifies inter-municipal cooperation, overcoming policy conflicts to achieve shared environmental, social, and economic goals, making it a model for integrated territorial development (Ref 4). The project’s long-term impact includes reduced carbon footprint and increased territorial cohesion.
Restoration of the Rio Mannu-Cixerri
In 2020, the Metropolitan City of Cagliari launched a project to enhance flood resilience and ecological integrity in the Mannu-Cixerri river system in southern Sardinia. The river traverses several communes within the metropolitan area, ultimately feeding into the Santa Gilla Lagoon, a vital wetland ecosystem west of the city.
The project, with a budget of €21 million, focuses on three key communes: Assemini, Decimomannu, and Uta. Rather than solely emphasizing structural flood defenses, the initiative integrates nature-based solutions (NbS) to mitigate flood risks while restoring riverine ecosystems. The Metropolitan City of Cagliari, in collaboration with the Sardinian Regional Public Works Department, is responsible for its implementation.
Key interventions include reinforcing and revegetating embankments, improving water flow along the Rio Mannu, and constructing new levee sections in a manner that enhances natural water retention. Additionally, the project involves upgrading bridges to facilitate better floodwater management. These measures align with the Sardinian Flood Risk Management Plan (PGRA) and aim to reduce flood hazards while promoting ecological benefits.
The project timeline began with a two-year preparation phase for the Preliminary Design Document, followed by a year-long tendering process for construction. These efforts represent a crucial step toward long-term flood resilience and environmental sustainability in the region. (Ref. 1, 2, 3)
The project, with a budget of €21 million, focuses on three key communes: Assemini, Decimomannu, and Uta. Rather than solely emphasizing structural flood defenses, the initiative integrates nature-based solutions (NbS) to mitigate flood risks while restoring riverine ecosystems. The Metropolitan City of Cagliari, in collaboration with the Sardinian Regional Public Works Department, is responsible for its implementation.
Key interventions include reinforcing and revegetating embankments, improving water flow along the Rio Mannu, and constructing new levee sections in a manner that enhances natural water retention. Additionally, the project involves upgrading bridges to facilitate better floodwater management. These measures align with the Sardinian Flood Risk Management Plan (PGRA) and aim to reduce flood hazards while promoting ecological benefits.
The project timeline began with a two-year preparation phase for the Preliminary Design Document, followed by a year-long tendering process for construction. These efforts represent a crucial step toward long-term flood resilience and environmental sustainability in the region. (Ref. 1, 2, 3)
Archipelagos Square
The project to redevelop Archipelagos Square in Cagliari aims to transform this key urban space, which serves as a gateway between the city and its coastal areas, into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Currently, the area lacks cohesive design, leading to unregulated use and its transformation into an informal parking lot. The redevelopment will address these issues by enhancing the pedestrian experience and reducing vehicular traffic. Improvements in public comfort and safety will include better rainwater drainage, the removal of architectural barriers, and the creation of accessible pathways for all.
This project emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of the local landscape. Key interventions include revitalizing green spaces, safeguarding native vegetation, and removing invasive species. Integrating walking and cycling paths will improve connectivity between the city, Marina Piccola, and Poetto beach, fostering outdoor recreational activities. A designated eco-system filter will recreate the natural dune environment, blending pedestrian areas with the surrounding landscape.
Funded by the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione (FSC), the project has a total budget of 3 million euros, with construction lasting 10 months starting in October 2023. The redevelopment reflects the broader goals of Cagliari’s administration to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the public realm, contributing to the city's vision of becoming a hub for nautical sports while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).
This project emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of the local landscape. Key interventions include revitalizing green spaces, safeguarding native vegetation, and removing invasive species. Integrating walking and cycling paths will improve connectivity between the city, Marina Piccola, and Poetto beach, fostering outdoor recreational activities. A designated eco-system filter will recreate the natural dune environment, blending pedestrian areas with the surrounding landscape.
Funded by the Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione (FSC), the project has a total budget of 3 million euros, with construction lasting 10 months starting in October 2023. The redevelopment reflects the broader goals of Cagliari’s administration to promote sustainable urban mobility and improve the public realm, contributing to the city's vision of becoming a hub for nautical sports while enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).
Metropolitan Lineal Park
The Metropolitan Linear Park is a project initiated by the national government of Bolivia, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) (1-8). The proposed park will be located along a disused railway corridor between the cities of La Paz and El Alto, spanning 18.2 km (8, p. 8). The project involves the construction of a linear park, divided into five sections, each with distinct objectives, uses, and designs (8, p. 9). This large-scale initiative aims to improve access to public spaces in La Paz and El Alto, enhance connectivity between the two cities, protect surrounding biodiversity and natural spaces, and strengthen resilience to and mitigate the effects of climate change (3 & 8, pp. 11-12).
To achieve these goals, the project design includes outdoor sports and recreational facilities, pedestrian and cycling circuits, as well as the restoration of parks, squares, and public spaces adjacent to the park corridor (8, p. 9). Some features include balcony corridors, flower and food-producing urban gardens, and viewpoints (5). The project also plans for the re-vegetation of the area with native species and aims to stop the environmental degradation of surrounding natural environments, such as the Pura Pura forest, which has been suffering from ongoing deforestation and waste dumping (8, p. 9). These efforts are expected to increase and support biodiversity in the area (7 & 8, p. 12).
Additionally, the project emphasizes social inclusion, with policies designed to incorporate women, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities (8, pp. 7-8). The park is intended to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity, ultimately improving the quality of life and health of nearby residents and the citizens of La Paz and El Alto (8, p. 13).
To achieve these goals, the project design includes outdoor sports and recreational facilities, pedestrian and cycling circuits, as well as the restoration of parks, squares, and public spaces adjacent to the park corridor (8, p. 9). Some features include balcony corridors, flower and food-producing urban gardens, and viewpoints (5). The project also plans for the re-vegetation of the area with native species and aims to stop the environmental degradation of surrounding natural environments, such as the Pura Pura forest, which has been suffering from ongoing deforestation and waste dumping (8, p. 9). These efforts are expected to increase and support biodiversity in the area (7 & 8, p. 12).
Additionally, the project emphasizes social inclusion, with policies designed to incorporate women, indigenous populations, and persons with disabilities (8, pp. 7-8). The park is intended to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity, ultimately improving the quality of life and health of nearby residents and the citizens of La Paz and El Alto (8, p. 13).
Cypress Shore Park
A new park is being planned for the Cypress Shores area in Mobile (Ref 1). Five civil engineering students from the University of South Alabama contributed to the design of the park (Ref 1). This collaboration offers students practical experience while providing city designers with innovative ideas for the site (Ref 2). The design emphasizes sustainability and cost-effectiveness (Ref 3). The project will feature a small park and boat launch on a 5.6-acre plot (Ref 1) located within a residential neighbourhood (Ref 3).
The park's societal goal is to improve public access to Halls Mill Creek, giving the community a new way to enjoy the waterway, and this focus aligns with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) goals (Ref 3). Historically, the property was used as a shipyard with a nearby railroad crossing (Ref 1), marking its transition from an industrial site to a public park.
Several amenities have been identified for the park’s development, including a boat ramp and kayak launch, a boardwalk adapted to sea-level rise, a pavilion and gazebo designed for flood resilience, a wetland nature trail with solar lighting and educational signage, and composting toilet restroom facilities (Ref 3). An armoured shoreline will be implemented to withstand medium water currents, and wave action will be constructed. Additionally, a living shoreline will be restored with local plants (Ref 3). While the project is still in its preliminary design phase, the timeline for completion is estimated at 12 to 18 months (Ref 1). The designers highlighted a potential trade-off, noting that an influx of visitors to the park could disturb the surrounding residential area (Ref 3).
The park's societal goal is to improve public access to Halls Mill Creek, giving the community a new way to enjoy the waterway, and this focus aligns with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) goals (Ref 3). Historically, the property was used as a shipyard with a nearby railroad crossing (Ref 1), marking its transition from an industrial site to a public park.
Several amenities have been identified for the park’s development, including a boat ramp and kayak launch, a boardwalk adapted to sea-level rise, a pavilion and gazebo designed for flood resilience, a wetland nature trail with solar lighting and educational signage, and composting toilet restroom facilities (Ref 3). An armoured shoreline will be implemented to withstand medium water currents, and wave action will be constructed. Additionally, a living shoreline will be restored with local plants (Ref 3). While the project is still in its preliminary design phase, the timeline for completion is estimated at 12 to 18 months (Ref 1). The designers highlighted a potential trade-off, noting that an influx of visitors to the park could disturb the surrounding residential area (Ref 3).
Masthugg Park
Masthuggsparken is a planned park in the Masthuggskajen district, which is undergoing development and construction. The park will measure about 2000 m2, and serve as a green oasis and meeting place for locals. It will have ameneties such as benches and areas for play, and a noise barrier against a large nearby road. The park will connect to the adjacent square and street, making it accessible to visit. The street will be renovated to have more trees and plants, increasing green connectivity in the district. The park will be surrounded by trees and other plants, which are planted to promote biodiversity and be adapted to a changing climate [Ref. 1-5, 7]. The park is at a low point, where up to 800 m3 of stormwater will flow during heavy rainfall, reducing flood risk in the surroundings [Ref. 1, 2, 6]. The Masthuggskajen district has a sustainability program, establishing goals for green environments which the park will contribute to. Green areas should be accessible to the entire district and provide ecosystem services such as rainwater management, climate adaptation, biodiversity and recreation. The program was created by the City of Gothenburg in collaboration with construction companies active in the area and was supported by Citylab Action, a national competence program in sustainable urban development [Ref. 7]. The City of Gothenburg is the primary responsible for the park, which will be constructed between 2025 and 2026 [Ref. 1, 2, 4].
