Expected increased perception of safety

For thousands of years the Rio Salado, also known as the Salt River, and its larger mainstem, the Gila River, served as an important perennial source of life and growth for indigenous people residing in central Arizona, including the Akimel and Piipaash (3). Today, the Salt River is an ephemeral river corridor connecting diverse urban communities across an expansive and growing Maricopa County (3). While the river is now typically defined by intermittent flow as a function of water conservation and distribution in an arid urban climate, it also has powerful flows during the Arizona monsoon season providing a diverse and unique ecosystem for the region (3). To foster the health of the River, a regional multi-decade project was initiated in 2018 called Rio Reimagined, which includes six cities and two tribal communities (1). Rio Reimagined is a planning initiative in a very early concept stage, centered around the mission to support and enhance this treasured river corridor (3). The goals of Rio Reimagined consist of connecting communities, Equitable & Sustainable Development, and Restoring and Revitalizing Healthy Rivers (3). As part of the Rio Reimagined, the City of Phoenix founded a collaborative project called Rio PHX that will help promote a 20-mile Rio Salado (Salt River) corridor as a local and regional destination that attracts positive investment for the benefit of existing/future businesses, residents, and tourists (1). The final aim with this project is to improve health outcomes for existing and future residents by address outstanding needs in the area and create opportunities for housing, employment, recreation, art, and ecological restoration (1). From May 2024 to May 2025 Rio PHX will engage in creating a community profile, an existing conditions assessment, community engagement & visioning, developing implementation strategies and drafting the master plan (1). Public hearings and final plan adoption are set to take place in fall 2025 (1).

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).

Since the 1980s, the Graefekiez neighborhood in Berlin's Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district has been a traffic-calmed area where all road users are treated equally, driving is limited to walking speed, and cars are permitted to stop anywhere. However, this once-progressive concept no longer functions effectively due to the significant increase in cars and delivery vehicles over the years. The streets no longer resemble a traffic-calmed zone, with traditional layouts featuring roadways, sidewalks, and parking spaces. As a result, many users fail to recognize the traffic-calmed nature of the area, leading to safety issues: vehicles drive too fast, delivery traffic causes conflicts, and streets are difficult to navigate safely.
Berlin’s transport sector faces the challenge of meeting legally mandated CO₂ reduction targets. Achieving these goals requires bold measures, including limiting private motorized transport (MIV), especially in densely populated areas where residents and visitors have access to alternative modes of transportation.
The "Graefekiez" project addresses these challenges through urban redevelopment aimed at improving livability and promoting sustainable urban mobility. Car parking has been banned from the streets, freeing up space for communal use such as lounge areas. As part of the "Graefekiez" project, the district office is converting parking spaces into green spaces and expanding tree disks to adapt to the climate and promote a sponge city.
The project was developed collaboratively with residents and NGOs through a participatory process led by the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district office, in partnership with the Berlin Social Science Center and Paper Planes e.V. Implementation began in 2023 on Graefestraße and Bockhstraße.After a six-month trial period, the district office decided in 2024 to make the measures permanent.
This initiative advances a safer, greener, inclusive urban environment while meeting climate and community goals. (Ref. 1, 2, 3)

A biodiversity park was built on an abandoned plot of land that felt unsafe to local residents. In the future, the plot may eventually be used for the construction of something more permanent. In the meantime, this project seeks to increase safety and access to greenspace while benefiting biodiversity, specifically flowers and insects.
Recycled materials were used to create the structure of the park, places to sit and insect hotels, while trees and a flowering meadow were planted. A mix of annual and perennial flowers was used to promote biodiversity over time. The locals are reported to be happy with the project. Familjebostäder i Göteborg AB, a publicly owned real estate company, conducted the project. [Ref. 1-5]

Fondo Unido Chihuahua, in collaboration with its corporate partners, is committed to raising awareness about environmental care and reforestation. One of its flagship initiatives is the annual tree-planting campaign, "Planting Today to Have Oxygen Tomorrow," organized by United Way Chihuahua in Ciudad Juárez. This environmental initiative focuses on improving the quality of different urban green spaces (parks, school grounds, streets) while fostering ecological awareness in vulnerable communities across the city. The primary objective is to plant a significant number of trees throughout Ciudad Juárez, using native species that are water-efficient and well-adapted to the local climate and soil. In 2022 the initiative aimed to reforest 18 parks located mainly in the south-eastern part of this border city with 1,000 trees. In 2023 and 2024 the intervention focused on planting 850 trees scatted all over the city.

The campaign brings together donations and volunteers through partnerships with various stakeholders, including local and regional governments, private companies, community organizations, and the general public.
United Way Chihuahua oversees the planning, coordination, and logistical efforts for the campaign. On planting days, volunteers gather at designated sites, guided by the organization to ensure successful planting efforts and community engagement (Ref 1-4).

The requalification project for Viale Buoncammino in Cagliari aims to revitalize the historic promenade while preserving its original layout and functions. Launched in September 2022 and completed in 2023, the project focused on enhancing the area’s aesthetic and environmental appeal. Key improvements include expanding green spaces by adding 560 new square meters, enhancing vegetation, and reducing surface runoff. This involves increasing permeable surfaces around existing trees to boost natural vegetation, improve bioclimatic comfort, and manage runoff during heavy rains.

The project also includes reconstructing pavements, optimizing seating areas, and repositioning urban furniture for better functionality and aesthetics. A modern LED lighting system will be installed to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, supporting the project's sustainability goals. The area is included between via Anfiteatro, viale Buoncammino and viale Giussani and also includes the squares F.Pilia and Marongiu-Pernis. The project aims to restore Viale Buoncammino as a dynamic social and cultural hub in Cagliari, appealing to both residents and visitors. (Refs. 1, 2, 3 & 4).

In 2022, the municipality of Cagliari launched a project to revitalize Viale Trieste, one of its avenues, by redesigning its roads and pedestrian areas and adding new green spaces. The project covers approximately 1,300 meters and 36,500 square meters, and will be completed in two phases, each focusing on different sections of the avenue. With a budget of 12 million euros, funded by municipal, national, and EU resources, the aim is to transform Viale Trieste into a vibrant, accessible, and attractive space for everyone.

The renewal will introduce new green spaces and improved drainage systems to enhance soil permeability. As part of this, some trees will be relocated to other areas of the city to address root issues and improve survival rates. Dead or unstable ficus trees will be removed, while 79 new trees will be planted. Older ficus trees will be relocated to city parks, with younger ones planted along the avenue to prevent pavement damage and promote sustainability. The project also includes upgrading water supply and drainage systems to manage stormwater more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding and improving sustainability. Public lighting will be modernized, with new street lamps and dedicated lighting for pedestrian and bicycle paths to make the area safer and more welcoming after dark.

However, the community has expressed concerns about the project, citing safety issues, delays, disruptions, and poor communication from officials. There is also significant opposition to replacing the historic ficus trees, valued for their environmental and historical significance, with Chinese pear trees and younger ficus (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 16).

In the city of Ciudad Juárez, the municipality, in collaboration with UN-Habitat, aims to design and create a park that encompasses the yards and unmaintained areas surrounding the railway station, transforming these spaces into an accessible and safe public area. This project covers over 500,000 square meters and addresses not only degraded areas but also several public squares. Described as "a coordinated urban recycling strategy," this initiative seeks to repurpose existing public squares and rehabilitate neglected spaces into vibrant green areas that feature universal accessibility, native vegetation, and urban furniture designed to enhance safety. The project also aims to provide increased recreational opportunities, improve permeability, and introduce additional shaded areas. A key component of improving permeability involves the restoration and incorporation of acequias—traditional historical irrigation systems that absorb and manage excess rainwater, thereby reducing the likelihood of flash floods.
Additionally, the project focuses on the restoration and promotion of significant historical buildings, such as the old railway station and the whiskey factory, integrating them into a larger cultural and sports facility area at the municipal scale. The overarching goal is to revitalize the site through effective coordination with the relevant authorities responsible for the spaces adjacent to the railway station, stretching from Plaza Misión de Guadalupe to Blvd. Municipio Libre. This collaborative effort aims to accommodate both sports and cultural facilities while also creating a green corridor.
Furthermore, the project intends to reforest, redesign, and enhance Plaza Misión de Guadalupe, Plaza Monumento a Benito Juárez, and other residual public spaces and gardens. This initiative aligns with its Public Space Strategy, which emphasizes the development of gender-inclusive and resilient public spaces.(Ref 1, 3, 4).

An old park in Gothenburg was renovated to become "the world's best park when it rains" and attract visitors all year round. Rainfall is common in Gothenburg, but more importantly, the amount and intensity of rain are expected to increase in the future due to climate change. Municipal real estate company Higab had the park renovated to make the entrances more accessible and show that the park is open to everyone. A few rain gardens were created to better take care of rainwater, as well as a roof and sculptures interacting with the rain for aesthetic purposes. Additionally, existing plants and trees were cared for, and new ones were planted to create varied vegetation year-round. The area has been a park since 1860, therefore, efforts were made to preserve the historical space, such as using necessary amenities (benches, light sources) as well as improve the ecological function of the park. Special care was taken not to damage grown trees, such as the cherry trees, which blossom in the spring and are a popular attraction [Ref. 1, 2, 4, 5]

Historically, the area of San Paolo in Cagliari has suffered from environmental degradation and illegal dumping, making it an unsightly entrance to the city. In 2022, the Città Metropolitana di Cagliari, initiated a project to transform this degraded area into a urban park featuring 7,000 new plants, including olive trees, junipers, lentisks, myrtle, rosemary, tamarisks, and Aleppo pines. Managed by the municiplaity of Cagliari, and funded by a €500,000 grant from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, this initiative will cover 4.7 hectares between Via San Paolo and the Santa Gilla Lagoon, creating a natural corridor connecting the city to the lagoon. The project aims not only to restore the land but also to enhance both metropolitan and municipal environmental requalification plans.
A multidisciplinary team, including a forestry technician, agronomist, and biologist, developed the project to ensure it is environmentally sustainable and suited to the local ecosystem.
The work on the project began in June of 2022 with land preparation, removal of invasive species, and waste collection, resulting in the clearing of over 5 tons of rubbish. By December, around 3,000 plants had already been planted, with the remaining work, including the installation of an irrigation system, scheduled for completion by January 2023. The selected plant species are fast-growing, and within two years, the shrubs are expected to reach a height of about two meters. The park is planned to open to the public in 2024, providing a new green space for walking and outdoor activities.
The San Paolo urban park project has encountered obstacles, mainly due to the expropriation of buildings, leading to legal disputes, permit delays, and a temporary halt caused by a tender-related issue. The site is currently overgrown and unused, showing clear signs of neglect. (Refs. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5).