Miniature Parks

Pocket parks are the answer to the lack of greenery in the dense buildings of cities.

In highly urbanized spaces, finding a place for greenery is a difficult task. Without a thorough reconstruction, the creation of a new park in the city center is usually impossible. At the same time, problems related to the rapid development of cities, such as a high level of heat in the summer or the level of stress of residents are growing. Parks are still a response to the needs of growing metropolises; they can, however, appear in the mini version!

The term pocket park is becoming more and more popular. What characterizes such a park? First of all, small size. It is assumed that the park area should not exceed 5,000 square meters. The second important aspect is the location: pocket parks usually appear in neglected spaces that do not bring benefits to the residents. These may be streets between buildings, squares at a busy intersection, forgotten courtyards of blocks of flats. The most important thing is that they will change into places where residents want to spend time. Revitalization of such space therefore assumes the introduction of trees, shrubs and flowers, as well as the provision of seating. A frequent element are also attractions for children.

The function of the pocket park remains a matter of creativity for designers. The park can be a place for a mini gym under the open sky or a place for artistic exhibitions. It happens that they serve to preserve local species of animals and insects. Above all, however, they make the city more friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

In Poland, pocket parks are becoming more and more popular. In Łódź, it was one of the main points of transformation of the Polesie district. Similar initiatives were taken in Kraków, Częstochowa, Bydgoszcz and Wrocław.