Enabling opportunities for physical activity

The "Green Play City", a nature experience park on 4,500 sqm exists since 1999. Initiated and administered by the non-profit organization "Wissenschaftsladen" (short WiLa), it combines nature experience and recreation for kids and grown-ups with education about the environment and nature-based design while also serving as a place for social interactions through intercultural events (3,4). The initiative "Raus aus'm Haus" aims at expanding the educational and participatory component of the Green Play City. By closely collaborating with schools and kindergartens on options for related on-site workshops, project days or open-air classrooms will be explored and conceptualized (1).

Collaboration between the City of Aarhus and private property developer DOMIS Ejendomme has been recognised by the award of a silver certificate for sustainable urban planning for the Bryggervej project. The aim of the project is to try out various sustainability principles. Green and blue solutions are included in the project, e.g. green roofs, green facades, green open spaces and blue elements/water in the park areas to increase recreational values and add moisture to the dry urban air. (Ref. 1, 2, 3)
By 2020, the first residential project was built called Risskov Brynet (Ref 8). Information in the project since 2017 is about this project. The project is certified according to DGNB Gold because it is based on a high standard for both social, economic, and environmental sustainability. An important part of this project is a 'highly insulated climate screen', a technology of the project that is incorporated into the project to address climate change (Ref 8, 9, 10).

The project aims to create a floating swimming pool on the Odra river, similar to a floating pool in Berlin. The pool would serve as a meeting place and the recreational area, but also as an impressive architectural and floating artwork. The pool would consist of three modules: a relaxation zone; filter module, composed of suitable plants responsible for clearing water straight from the river; and the pool/swimming area, filled with filtered water from the river. The pool should be mobile - made in such a way that by conventional means it could move within the urban waterfront [1].

A significant expansion of the summer water level in the biggest local natural river, Giber River, was carried out in Aarhus. The increase in water flow in Giber River was achieved by a range of different measures, such as pumping purified wastewater into the river and building a string of rainwater collection ponds that will be allowed to slowly drain into the river. (Ref. 1)

“An integrated solution for groundwater, rainwater, waste water, streams and ponds creates attractive housing in a new suburb (NyE), with room for exciting architecture. The water cycle plays a key role in urban development in Denmark, and water is one of the ever-present elements in our lives. Århus needs to prevent flooding caused by climate change, avoid polluting our groundwater, and improve the environment in streams and ponds to allow the use of water to create recreational value for the residents. This way, Århus can build a balanced aquatic environment, which will ultimately create a better city.” (Ref. 1)

The establishment of the first stage consisting of 650 homes, day care center and grocery store was initiated in the autumn of 2016 after more than 10 years of planning, and in the summer of 2018, the first residents moved into Nye. More homes are on the way. (Ref 14). In its current form of just over 150 ha, it has a capacity of approx. 15,000-20,000 inhabitants or approx. 10,000 homes at full expansion (Ref 15)

The garden was established in 2012 by self-management of the community of Exarcheia. The site is a former parking lot in public land, historically reclaimed by the neighbourhood as a green zone. People occupied the space, designed the park, and constructed it. The former parking lot was owned by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG). A weekly assembly manages the site and activities. The aim of the community garden is formative, to show how to grow food, reproduce and collect seeds. The park has encompassed multiple functions in addition to community food-producing garden, such as children's playground, a place for cultural events, gathering and emancipation (Ref 1, 2, 3).

A restructuring of the National Park of Athens is being done from the last few years to revitalize one of the tourists' attractions in the city. The restructuring is mainly focused on the conservation of animal species found in the park. The project also aims to transform the park into a meeting point for culture and sports as well as activities including workshops, yoga, pilates, music, theater, tours and educational games for kids (Ref 7). The park contains a duck pond and a small zoo. In addition to this, it opened a botanical museum and a library for children for educational purposes (Ref 1,2,3). The project was planned to carry out in two stages. In the first stage, Athens will tender a 2.9 million euros upgrade of the infrastructures, and a study that is budgeted at 370,000 euros for the restoration of the Garden’s zoological park, botanical museum, the famed Roman mosaic area, and restoration of the Herod Atticus wall. The second stage concerns restoration of the Garden’s flora and removal of damaged shrubbery (Ref 6).

The intervention included the renovation of lake Jarun and its surrounded park and recreational centre. Efforts were made to improve the amenities at the lake and park in order to bring it closer to the citizens, particularly to disadvantaged groups. It provides facilities for walking, bicycling, various outdoor sports, trim-track of 6500 meters of length, roller skating, etc. Sports facilities are related to an impressive 2250 meters long regatta path where international and world rowing, canoe and kayak contests are held. With daily training and performances, they give Jarun a special, sporting atmosphere (Ref 1, 2, 3, 4).

Lake Rusalka is one of the key elements of Kasprowicz Park, which is a popular recreational area in Szczecin. The shoreline between the Summer Theater and the Japanese Bridge is an attractive stroll. The project aims to improve the functionality, attractiveness and aesthetic value of the coastline and an island on the lake. It envisions going back to the historical tradition of the boats rental as well as includes plans for the revitalization of the part of the shoreline, creation of the Japanese gazebo on the island and construction of mooring berth [1]. In 2020, the project was still on the waiting list in the city’s participatory budget distribution. Local authorities expect its implementation to take place by 2022, the earliest [6].

The project was about restoration of the Aarhus river. The river was piped during the 1930s for hygienic reasons and to give space for road infrastructure. In 1989, the city decided to resurface the river. The river acts as a green and blue corridor running through the city centre. Furthermore, The City Council approved a plan for the recreational vision of the Aarhus River and e.g. flood prevention measures have been taken. (Ref. 1, 2, 3) The Aarhus Å project was completed in the years from 2006 to 2013. (Ref. 15)