Greening the yards of El Barreal
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).
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).
The Lower Salt River Restoration Project
The Lower Salt River Restoration Project (LSRRP) is a riparian restoration initiative located along the Lower Salt River within the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest. This collaborative project seeks to restore a section of the Lower Salt River Recreation Area that was severely impacted by the 2017 Cactus Fire. The Cactus Fire was a significant wildfire that caused extensive damage to vegetation and habitat in the area, highlighting the need for targeted restoration efforts to rebuild the ecosystem and mitigate future fire risks.
The LSRRP’s primary activities focus on removing invasive tamarisk trees, which are highly flammable and contribute to the intensity of wildfires, and planting native seedlings to reestablish local flora. By removing tamarisk trees, the project aims to create a landscape that is more resistant to fire, reducing the wildfire risk for the region. Additionally, the project supports the abundance and diversity of native plant species by removing invasive plants and planting thousands of native riparian tree species.
The restoration efforts also aim to enhance the riparian habitat by expanding two critical vegetation communities—the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest. These communities support rich biodiversity and offer essential habitats for local wildlife.
Beyond ecological restoration, the project emphasizes community involvement and awareness. It provides opportunities for the local community to participate in the project through environmental education events for K-12 students and ongoing volunteer involvement in monitoring and maintaining restored areas.
Overall, the Lower Salt River Restoration Project is a proactive effort to protect and revitalize the Lower Salt River Recreation Area, enhancing its ecological resilience and engaging the community in long-term conservation. (2-4, 6, 8, 11)
The LSRRP’s primary activities focus on removing invasive tamarisk trees, which are highly flammable and contribute to the intensity of wildfires, and planting native seedlings to reestablish local flora. By removing tamarisk trees, the project aims to create a landscape that is more resistant to fire, reducing the wildfire risk for the region. Additionally, the project supports the abundance and diversity of native plant species by removing invasive plants and planting thousands of native riparian tree species.
The restoration efforts also aim to enhance the riparian habitat by expanding two critical vegetation communities—the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest. These communities support rich biodiversity and offer essential habitats for local wildlife.
Beyond ecological restoration, the project emphasizes community involvement and awareness. It provides opportunities for the local community to participate in the project through environmental education events for K-12 students and ongoing volunteer involvement in monitoring and maintaining restored areas.
Overall, the Lower Salt River Restoration Project is a proactive effort to protect and revitalize the Lower Salt River Recreation Area, enhancing its ecological resilience and engaging the community in long-term conservation. (2-4, 6, 8, 11)
Brookley by the Bay
Brookley by the Bay is a 98-acre new waterfront park project along Mobile Bay's western shore (Ref 1). The park aims to reconnect people with the Mobile waterfront and coastal ecosystem (Ref 2). The area, once an abundant mosaic of tidal marshes, forested wetlands, and shallow lagoons, became a port, leading residents to lose contact with the natural landscape (Ref 2).
The park serves both recreational and environmental purposes, aiming to create and restore areas that enhance habitat resilience and allow coastal ecosystems to thrive (Ref 1). It features sports facilities, including kayaking, volleyball, golf, and biking, along with social gathering and educational spaces such as an amphitheatre lawn, a performance pavilion, and picnic tables (Ref 3, Images 1-3). The park provides safe and equitable access for all Mobile residents to nature, beaches, tree canopies, open fields, and varied shorelines, all connected by pedestrian and bike lanes (Ref 2). The project also focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration for biodiversity (Ref 3, Images 1 & 4), as well as flood protection through shoreline get-downs, vegetated edges (Image 4), and undulating berms and swales that serve as a layered protection system against stormwater and coastal flooding (Ref 2).
The development of Brookley by the Bay was guided by input from over 300 community members (Ref 1), local stakeholder organizations, and project partners, with the goal of establishing a more resilient, accessible, and enduring space for generations to come (Ref 2).
The park serves both recreational and environmental purposes, aiming to create and restore areas that enhance habitat resilience and allow coastal ecosystems to thrive (Ref 1). It features sports facilities, including kayaking, volleyball, golf, and biking, along with social gathering and educational spaces such as an amphitheatre lawn, a performance pavilion, and picnic tables (Ref 3, Images 1-3). The park provides safe and equitable access for all Mobile residents to nature, beaches, tree canopies, open fields, and varied shorelines, all connected by pedestrian and bike lanes (Ref 2). The project also focuses on habitat enhancement and restoration for biodiversity (Ref 3, Images 1 & 4), as well as flood protection through shoreline get-downs, vegetated edges (Image 4), and undulating berms and swales that serve as a layered protection system against stormwater and coastal flooding (Ref 2).
The development of Brookley by the Bay was guided by input from over 300 community members (Ref 1), local stakeholder organizations, and project partners, with the goal of establishing a more resilient, accessible, and enduring space for generations to come (Ref 2).
Core City Park(ing)
The PARK(ing) project, completed in April 2022, is an urban private intervention in Core City neighborhood in Detroit, that re-imagines a vacant 24,000-square-foot lot into a dual-purpose public park and a 28-car parking lot. Designed by Julie Bargmann of D.I.R.T. Studio, in collaboration with Prince Concepts and in-house landscape designer Andrew Schwartz, this innovative green space harmonizes urban infrastructure with natural elements. The site is punctuated with 78 newly planted trees, including sumac, maple, and evergreen species, creating an environment rich in vegetation that seamlessly integrates with its urban surroundings.
The design incorporates permeable pavers and sloped berms, which effectively manage storm-water by absorbing and channeling rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding—an often-overlooked challenge in traditional parking lots. This approach reflects sensitivity to the local environment and a commitment to sustainable urban design.
By day, the park discreetly functions as a parking facility, with cars nestled among dense greenery, while by evening, it transforms into a public garden, extending the communal space of Core City Park. This dual functionality addresses the needs of a car-dependent community while promoting walkability and enhancing the neighborhood's ecological footprint.
PARK(ing) exemplifies a shift in Detroit's urban planning, moving away from the car-centric developments of the past toward a more balanced relationship between people, nature, and infrastructure. The project stands as a testament to the evolving identity of American cities, particularly those like Detroit, historically shaped by the automobile. It offers a vision of urban spaces that prioritize community well-being and environmental stewardship while acknowledging the realities of modern urban life. (Ref. 1, 2)
The design incorporates permeable pavers and sloped berms, which effectively manage storm-water by absorbing and channeling rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding—an often-overlooked challenge in traditional parking lots. This approach reflects sensitivity to the local environment and a commitment to sustainable urban design.
By day, the park discreetly functions as a parking facility, with cars nestled among dense greenery, while by evening, it transforms into a public garden, extending the communal space of Core City Park. This dual functionality addresses the needs of a car-dependent community while promoting walkability and enhancing the neighborhood's ecological footprint.
PARK(ing) exemplifies a shift in Detroit's urban planning, moving away from the car-centric developments of the past toward a more balanced relationship between people, nature, and infrastructure. The project stands as a testament to the evolving identity of American cities, particularly those like Detroit, historically shaped by the automobile. It offers a vision of urban spaces that prioritize community well-being and environmental stewardship while acknowledging the realities of modern urban life. (Ref. 1, 2)
Rain Garden 2.0
The Rain Garden 2.0 project at Gdańsk University of Technology is an innovative green infrastructure initiative that manages and purifies rainwater while enhancing biodiversity. Part of the international NICE (Nature-based solutions for urban climate adaptation) initiative, this project serves as a living hub for testing solutions to address urban climate challenges. Opened in July 2023, the rain garden exemplifies a multifunctional approach to water retention, pollutant filtration, and urban biodiversity support. It is located behind the Faculty of Chemistry's Building C and has a capacity exceeding 11 cubic meters. (Ref. 1; Ref. 6)
The garden, designed by researchers from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering under the leadership of Prof. Magdalena Gajewska, captures rainwater runoff to prevent urban flooding and mitigate the strain on storm sewer systems. It absorbs pollutants, improves water quality, and supports over 1,100 hydrophyte plants, creating a natural solution for heavy rainfall events.
Beyond water management, the garden contributes significantly to urban biodiversity. Its moist soil and diverse plant species—designed to thrive in a range of conditions—help create habitats for insects and other small wildlife, boosting ecological resilience. (Ref. 1)
The rain garden’s innovative design consists of several key components. The first stage channels rainwater into reservoirs, reducing the energy of inflowing water. Subsequent parts purify the water through sedimentation processes, effectively filtering out pollutants such as those from streets and roads. Early research shows that these purification methods work exceptionally well, retaining a broad spectrum of pollutants before the water reaches the garden’s main basin. The project also benefits from cutting-edge laboratory equipment, allowing for detailed monitoring and analysis of water quality. (Ref. 1)
The garden, designed by researchers from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering under the leadership of Prof. Magdalena Gajewska, captures rainwater runoff to prevent urban flooding and mitigate the strain on storm sewer systems. It absorbs pollutants, improves water quality, and supports over 1,100 hydrophyte plants, creating a natural solution for heavy rainfall events.
Beyond water management, the garden contributes significantly to urban biodiversity. Its moist soil and diverse plant species—designed to thrive in a range of conditions—help create habitats for insects and other small wildlife, boosting ecological resilience. (Ref. 1)
The rain garden’s innovative design consists of several key components. The first stage channels rainwater into reservoirs, reducing the energy of inflowing water. Subsequent parts purify the water through sedimentation processes, effectively filtering out pollutants such as those from streets and roads. Early research shows that these purification methods work exceptionally well, retaining a broad spectrum of pollutants before the water reaches the garden’s main basin. The project also benefits from cutting-edge laboratory equipment, allowing for detailed monitoring and analysis of water quality. (Ref. 1)
El Chamizal Zone of Ecological Restoration
“El Chamizal is a site of significant sociocultural importance and a key part of the identity of the people of Juarez. It is frequently visited by over 200,000 people seeking a space for recreation and enjoyment.” Located along the Rio Bravo/Grande river, El Chamizal is a park and a riparian area (Ref 2). Despite its popularity, the park has been suffering three decades of irregular management by the Municipal Government of Juárez and is facing issues such as accelerated desertification, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. (Ref.2)
To counteract some of these challenges, in February 2024, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) designated El Chamizal Park, spanning 327 hectares, as a Zone of Ecological Restoration (ZER) (Ref 1).
The restoration plan involves dividing the park into four distinct zones, each with specific recovery actions (Ref 1; 2). Zone A, covering 107.3 hectares, is designated as a conservation area where reforestation with native species must commence. Zone B, which spans 47.8 hectares, also requires reforestation with native plants. Zone C, encompassing 12.7 hectares, consists of flooded or floodable plains that must remain in their current state. However, the surrounding ecosystem in this zone needs restoration with native aquatic plants to aid in stormwater purification. Zone D, at 159.8 hectares, contains existing infrastructure—such as buildings, installations, and communications—that must remain unchanged (Ref 3, p. 96). The project proposal is still awaiting implementation.
To counteract some of these challenges, in February 2024, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp) designated El Chamizal Park, spanning 327 hectares, as a Zone of Ecological Restoration (ZER) (Ref 1).
The restoration plan involves dividing the park into four distinct zones, each with specific recovery actions (Ref 1; 2). Zone A, covering 107.3 hectares, is designated as a conservation area where reforestation with native species must commence. Zone B, which spans 47.8 hectares, also requires reforestation with native plants. Zone C, encompassing 12.7 hectares, consists of flooded or floodable plains that must remain in their current state. However, the surrounding ecosystem in this zone needs restoration with native aquatic plants to aid in stormwater purification. Zone D, at 159.8 hectares, contains existing infrastructure—such as buildings, installations, and communications—that must remain unchanged (Ref 3, p. 96). The project proposal is still awaiting implementation.
The Three Mile Creek Watershed Restoration
The Three Mile Creek Watershed project is part of the City Council watershed management plans (Ref 2) to stabilize the banks and the stream along the Twelve Mile Creek and Langan Park Lake, both of which drain into Three Mile Creek and Mobile Bay (Ref 1). The project aims to address the issues of degradation of the banks and destabilization of the creek, undercutting of sanitary sewer crossings and sedimentation in the creek and Langan Park Lake because of the increased water flow speed due to stormwater conveyance (Ref 2). Besides, major pollutants from run-off and sewage water contribute to the degradation of Three Mile Creek (Ref 5). Key initiatives include stabilizing the banks and streambed of the Twelve Mile Creek, dredging and restoring Langan Park Lake, and implementing instream structures to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure (Ref 2). The project also emphasizes reducing pollutants from stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and helping to protect the area’s estuarine and marine water resources (Ref 1). The project will increase natural habitat and contribute to regulating biodiversity by aiding in the abatement of invasive species such as the apple snail (Ref 2). It is expected to contribute to enhancing recreational access through the development of trails, educational programs, and water sports facilities. The overall goal is to restore ecological health, support flood control, improve the quality of life in the Mobile and Prichard communities and make the Three Mile Creek a recreational destination (Ref 6).
Renovating a park to increase resilience
Parque Central Hermanos Escobar had been neglected for years, but in 2022, it was fully reopened following a public investment aimed at redesigning some of its features. The renovations provided better amenities, new and improved recreational opportunities, and enhanced the city's resilience to flooding and water stress. Although the park already had a dedicated blue space, the renovations increased permeable surfaces (e.g., parking lots) and boosted its water retention capacity with cisterns, stormwater basins, and an artificial lake designed to function "like a natural one" (Ref 1).
The artificial lake was one of the most anticipated additions with a depth of one meter and being used for recreational purposes. It is supplied with water from the existing treatment plant in the park’s western section, which complies with the National Water Commission (Conagua) standards. The lake features recreational facilities, such as boats and a pier, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and several amphibian species that have already begun to naturally populate the area. (1,2)
Overall, the improvements were intended to enhance the park's recreational offerings while strengthening the city's defenses against flood risks and water shortages. The local community will have a space to relax and enjoy various facilities, including an open-air auditorium, scenic viewpoints, an indoor pool, and a baseball field, among many other features.
The artificial lake was one of the most anticipated additions with a depth of one meter and being used for recreational purposes. It is supplied with water from the existing treatment plant in the park’s western section, which complies with the National Water Commission (Conagua) standards. The lake features recreational facilities, such as boats and a pier, and serves as a habitat for local wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and several amphibian species that have already begun to naturally populate the area. (1,2)
Overall, the improvements were intended to enhance the park's recreational offerings while strengthening the city's defenses against flood risks and water shortages. The local community will have a space to relax and enjoy various facilities, including an open-air auditorium, scenic viewpoints, an indoor pool, and a baseball field, among many other features.
Fjärding Park
Fjärdingsparken is a city park that has been constructed in two phases, the second finishing in 2023 [Ref. 1]. The initial phase of the plan focuses on building a new kindergarten, and it includes developing the park surrounding the kindergarten to increase locals' access to green space and recreation. The first phase also involved building a football field at the park's edge [Ref. 1, 4, 5]. The second phase continued the park's development focusing on rain water management and biodiversity. The park was constructed so that up to 900 m3 of rainwater can be managed in the park during a 100-year rain, protecting the surrounding area from flooding. This is part of a flooding strategy for the city. The park includes a meadow, aiming to provide habitat for flowers and plants supporting pollinators and butterflies. It also contains amenities such as an outdoor gym, a dog park, and a "play forest" designed for children. The climate impact of constructing the park was evaluated in an attempt to reduce GHG emissions [Ref. 1-3].
A Green Promenade for Cagliari
Cagliari's waterfront is currently characterized by extensive soil sealing, which has rendered the soil impermeable, leading to a loss of biodiversity and contributing to the urban heat island effect. Additionally, the waterfront is disconnected from the city due to heavy traffic. In 2023, the Municipality of Cagliari launched the "Green Promenade for Cagliari’s Seafront" project, aimed at revitalizing the waterfront and reconnecting the city with its coastal heritage. Led by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the project seeks to transform the area into a continuous green space that integrates pedestrian pathways with shaded public areas, functioning as a "green lung" to mitigate urban heat and enhance biodiversity.
The initiative will introduce over 200 new trees and 5,700 square meters of green space, creating a park that beautifies the area, improves air quality, and lowers local temperatures. A key focus of the project is fostering cultural and social inclusion by developing new community hubs that encourage diverse activities and strengthen social cohesion. Additional features include recreational areas, sports fields, and outdoor seating. (Ref. 1, 2,3)
The project also aims to enhance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban connectivity, ultimately transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects Cagliari’s identity.
However, the lengthy construction process has disrupted local businesses and reduced foot traffic, making the area less attractive during the redevelopment phase. (Refs. 10, 11, 12 & 13).
The initiative will introduce over 200 new trees and 5,700 square meters of green space, creating a park that beautifies the area, improves air quality, and lowers local temperatures. A key focus of the project is fostering cultural and social inclusion by developing new community hubs that encourage diverse activities and strengthen social cohesion. Additional features include recreational areas, sports fields, and outdoor seating. (Ref. 1, 2,3)
The project also aims to enhance social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and urban connectivity, ultimately transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects Cagliari’s identity.
However, the lengthy construction process has disrupted local businesses and reduced foot traffic, making the area less attractive during the redevelopment phase. (Refs. 10, 11, 12 & 13).
