Public Greenspace Area

In 2015, The Greening of Detroit and the Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation collaboratively installed a bioswale in Stein Park, Detroit, as part of a broader effort to mitigate flooding in the Cody Rouge neighborhood. The area, particularly affected by heavy rains and flooding due to its proximity to the Rouge River, suffered significantly during the 2014 Great Flood, highlighting the need for improved stormwater management. The bioswale, a Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) feature, was designed to capture and infiltrate up to 6,000 gallons of stormwater, diverting it from the city’s aging combined sewer system. By reducing the risk of sewer overflows, this installation also decreases the flow of untreated water into local waterways.

Funded by an $83,000 Kresge Foundation grant, the bioswale incorporates a mixture of native plants, prairie wildflowers, and ornamental grasses to filter sediment and pollutants. In addition to stormwater management, the project aims to enhance community engagement and economic revitalization. Students from Cody DIT High School's Green Team participated in the planting and design process, learning valuable skills in landscape architecture and green infrastructure. The project also ties into the Joy-Southfield CDC's vision of establishing a "green zone" to promote community safety, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.

Future plans include further green infrastructure development, such as additional bioswales and a parking lot with pervious pavers, contributing to Cody Rouge’s transformation into a model neighborhood for green development. This project not only addresses urgent environmental concerns but also fosters community pride, safety, and economic opportunities, positioning the neighborhood as a leader in Detroit’s green infrastructure movement.
(Ref.1-4)

In 2001, the local municipality of La Paz, in collaboration with the International Union of Architects (UIA), launched a design contest to create a central park within a protected natural area (3). The park's aim was to develop urban infrastructure while connecting nature with the city (3). The winning architectural design envisioned an infrastructure that would harmonize with the existing natural surroundings and minimize interference with the environment (4).
The park's implementation included pedestrian and bike pathways, numerous panoramic viewpoints, facilities for exercise and cultural events, buildings dedicated to science, historically significant monuments, playgrounds, and the rehabilitation and creation of multiple green spaces (1 & 4 to 6).
While most of the project was completed by 2009, the area's exposure to recurrent landslides, droughts, and illegal waste disposal, combined with ongoing degradation, has necessitated afforestation efforts and maintenance actions from the municipality to ensure the protection of the natural area and enhance its benefits (7 & 8). Recently, the park has been part of a national citizen monitoring program for species, which has improved the categorization of wildlife in the area (11 & 12). Additionally, 2,000 trees were planted in the park in 2023 as part of a reforestation campaign, and cleaning and watering maintenance work has been carried out to support their growth (7 & 13). This initiative is part of a larger project to revitalize the park (10 & 13).
Overall, the park aims to protect local wildlife and plant species while acting as a "green lung" for the city, regulating the climate, providing recreational spaces, and improving livability (14).

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)

The Loma del Marión recovery project in Cartagena, Colombia, is a community-driven initiative supported by EPA Cartagena that focuses on restoring and conserving the remaining 1.2 hectares of tropical dry forest. Initially covering 33 hectares, the area has suffered degradation due to illegal encroachments, deforestation, and waste burning. The project has included planting over 3,000 plants and fostering community involvement in environmental conservation (ref 1). The main goals are to restore the ecosystem by reforesting native species, preventing landslide risks, and developing an ecopark that will serve as an educational and recreational space. Planned facilities include a library for learning about local flora and fauna, hiking trails, and a community garden to enhance local food security (ref 1,4). A notable educational initiative in the project is the formation of "Vigías del Ambiente" (Environmental Watchers), a group of 40 youths from the Red Nacional Jóvenes de Ambiente, supported by EPA Cartagena and CDKN. This initiative educates young people on climate change, conservation, and waste management through workshops and activities (ref 2, 3). In addition, the EPA is leading detailed studies of the tropical dry forest to identify and protect endemic species (ref 5). The project has resulted in significant environmental and social benefits, such as planting thousands of trees, boosting community engagement in conservation, and establishing youth groups dedicated to sustainable development and climate action (ref 3, 5).

The Tagus Estuary Linear Riverside Park is a significant environmental and recreational project in Vila Franca de Xira. As part of a broader urban regeneration initiative, the park aimed to enhance the natural and cultural landscape by promoting ecological regeneration while providing public access to the Tagus River (Ref 1). Created in 2013, the park has won several international awards and since then, the park has undergone several extensions. In 2017, another 700-meter walkway was added towards Santa Iria, and the inhabitants of this urban area of Vila Franca de Xira widely use it (Ref. 6). The park covers over 14 hectares and includes pedestrian and cycling paths, environmental education facilities such as the Bird Observatory, and the Environmental and Landscape Interpretation Centre (Ref 2).
Recently announced in 2023, the park's newest expansion is set to extend the riverside trails further, creating a continuous route from Lisbon to Alhandra (Ref 5). With future phases planned, the project is expected to significantly increase public interaction with the riverfront and its biodiversity (Ref 5). In this new project phase, the Vila Franca de Xira Municipal Council begins the requalification and environmental and landscape conservation of another section of the riverfront of the Municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, between Alverca and Sobralinho, covering an extension of approximately 4.9 km and an area of ​​approximately 14.1 hectares (Ref. 7). The extension of the park will be developed similarly to its existing infrastructure. New paths for pedestrians and cyclists will be created using elevated wooden structures (walkways). In total, two new cycle-pedestrian trails will be created – Trilho das Comportas (3.32 kilometres long) and the Trilho dos Salgados (594 metres long) –, and the Trilho do Tejo will be extended by a further 990 metres (Ref. 5).

The Stora Amundö and Billdal archipelago nature reserve is in the southernmost part of the City of Gothenburg. The proximity to the city makes it a popular recreational destination, with about 73000 visitors each year. In 2018, the area was protected as a nature reserve to preserve its recreational, natural and historical values. The status as a nature reserve prohibits any exploitation and other harmful activities in the area. The area of the reserve is 1103 ha, of which 259 ha is land area and the rest is water [Ref. 1-3]. The management of the reserve includes promoting recreational and educational activities by creating new entrances, paths and signs, as well as holding guided tours. The management also includes restoring and improving terrestrial ecosystems such as grasslands through mowing and grazing and deciduous forests through selective clearing. A wetland has been restored to promote biodiversity further [Ref. 2, 4]. The reserve was created and is managed by the City of Gothenburg, the process of creating it involved consultation of stakeholders such as land owners, government agencies and NGO's [Ref. 1]. Some local landowners disagreed with the borders of the nature reserve having an impact on their land, leading to an appeal that was ultimately denied [Ref. 5, 6]

In 2021-2022, the fenced grassy area beside the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre was transformed into a welcoming 'people’s park'—an open green space for the community (2). Designed by Dublin City Council’s Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services, the park reflects ideas from local residents gathered over eight months of on-site conversations and two community consultation events.
The new park features a winding perimeter path, earth mounds planted with a variety of trees and plants for seasonal color, and infrastructure to support small community gatherings. An open pergola and a designated market space for food, plant, and craft markets provide inviting spots for social events. Along the park’s edge, a movement trail with playable elements for exercise and play adds a dynamic feature to the space.
Furthermore, a Jackstraws See-Saw is ideal for older children to play in groups and learn about movement whilst also being a tremendous informal seating area for them to gather and chat. Trees cover the See-Saw, offering shade and shelter from the weather, making it a great social space all year round. A Rope Course provides a physical challenge for older children to climb and balance at height while exploring the area. Informal play opportunities are found throughout the park to, with trees, fallen logs, benches and planting that create sensory, imaginative and physical play experiences. (5-7)
Additionally, an edible garden is planned to be developed collaboratively with local residents over the next 2-3 years (4).

Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest urban center, is a key hub for economic growth and outward trade in the Balkans. The city hosts the country’s second-largest export port, which plays a crucial role in connecting European trade routes with Asia and China. However, until 2014, Thessaloniki's waterfront was poorly maintained, largely inaccessible, and unattractive. Moreover, major flooding events, connected to extreme weather events, exposed significant deficiencies in the city's flood mitigation infrastructure, leading to damage to housing and critical services. (5, 10, 11)
To address these issues, the Municipality of Thessaloniki launched an International Architectural Competition for the redevelopment of the New Waterfront. From 2006 to 2014, Thessaloniki's waterfront underwent a significant regeneration aimed at benefiting the city's population of 1.1 million and stimulating the local economy. The revitalized waterfront now stretches 3 kilometers between land and sea, featuring 58,000 acres of green space an playgrounds.. In total, 2,353 new trees and 118,432 plants were added across an area of 238,800 m² (Refs 1, 3, 4).
The project also introduced walking routes, sports and recreational facilities, seating areas, and scenic viewing points. The waterfront now has a bicycle path along the entire walkway, and an arbour of 660 umbrella pine trees, serving as shade from the midday sun. Completed in 2014, the New Waterfront has already become a vibrant urban green space, enjoyed by both Thessaloniki's citizens and visitors alike (Ref 4).

The Leopold-Rister park, named after a former district officer, is located in the Margareten district in Vienna and was renovated in 2023 based on the community's wishes for recreational opportunities. The park is surrounded by residential buildings and featured a playground for children, some greens and a football pitch. (Ref. 1) On the initiative of the city government, local residents and people using the park were surveyed on their preferences and needs for a potential redesign of the park. (Ref. 8) Within a year, the park was remodelled, featuring the wished for elements by locals, and was opened in 2024.
Spaces for recreation like playgrounds, benches, and gaming tables were increased or installed. To reduce the heat stress of the urban environment, trees were planted that provide shadow and water play for children to cool down were implemented. Already existing lawns and greens were restored, and new shrubs were added to provide habitats for different local insect and bird species. (Ref. 1; Ref. 6)
The project was initiated and financed by the City of Vienna and presents one of many greening activities that the city pursues to adapt to climate change. (Ref. 1; Ref. 2)

The project aims to restore green spaces in the neighbourhoods of San Francisco and 7 de Agosto. Led by Aguas de Cartagena, in partnership with other organizations, the initiative focused on environmental recovery, social integration, and reducing inequality through the revitalization of community spaces. Activities included planting native species, maintaining community infrastructure, and promoting environmental education, contributing to climate change mitigation and fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment​ (ref 4). As part of a collaborative effort between Aguas de Cartagena and SACSA, a synthetic grass sports field named El Wio was constructed with an investment of around 60 million pesos. The project aimed to foster community integration and provide safe spaces for sports and recreation, and it also included improving drainage systems, installing solar-powered lighting, and creating green spaces around the field (ref 5). Additionally, the Biblioparque, a community library and park in San Francisco, was rehabilitated to restore the library infrastructure, including terraces, reading rooms, and green spaces. The initiative provides a vital cultural and educational space for the community, especially for children, youth, and the elderly, fostering a culture of reading and community engagement. It also addresses previous safety concerns after a fire incident and aims to promote arts and cultural activities​( ref 3). In parallel, a long-term initiative, in collaboration with the local government, provided educational tools and resources to over 1,000 children and youth in San Francisco (ref 2).