Urban public park

More than just a green space, the urban public park is the vibrant heart of a city, offering a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Parks play a vital role in improving the quality of life, promoting social interaction, and fostering a sense of community. In fact, city parks serve a variety of functions, from hosting community gatherings and recreational activities to serving as habitats for local flora and fauna.

However, creating and maintaining natural green spaces is not an easy task. It involves complex planning and design, and compliance with specific regulations to ensure that they meet the needs of all users, while preserving the environment. Designing a public park is nothing more than a delicate balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Below, we delve into the many functions, regulations, and designs that shape these urban oases. We'll discover how these green spaces not only provide a respite from city life, but also contribute significantly to the ecological, social, and economic fabric of our cities.

The importance of green areas in an urban context

In today's rapidly urbanizing world, the presence of green areas in an urban context has become increasingly important. urban public parks serve as vital community spaces, providing a wide range of benefits to both residents and tourists. These green spaces provide a respite from the concrete and asphalt landscape, allowing people to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful environment. Additionally, urban public parks They act as social gathering centers, bringing people together and promoting a sense of community and belonging.

Benefits of urban green areas

One of the main advantages of urban public parks is their contribution to the general well-being individuals. Research has shown that spending time in green spaces can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and improving mood. The presence of trees, plants and open spaces in urban environments has been linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, as well as improved cognitive function. Therefore, the presence of accessible green spaces in cities is essential to promote a healthy lifestyle and improve the quality of life of residents.

Another significant advantage of urban public parks is their role in mitigate the effects of climate change. As cities continue to expand, concrete surfaces replace natural landscapes, causing the formation of urban heat islands. Green areas act as natural cooling systems, reducing temperatures and improving air quality. Trees and plants help absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. By incorporating urban public parks into city planning, we can create more sustainable and resilient communities. Additionally, urban public parks play a crucial role in promote physical activity and encourage one healthier lifestyle among city dwellers. These green spaces provide opportunities for recreational activities such as walking, jogging, cycling and sports. Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. By providing accessible and well-maintained urban public parks, we can encourage people to engage in regular physical activity and improve their overall well-being.

Urban Green Areas: Types of Parks and Gardens

There are different types of green areas present in urban contexts, each with its own characteristics and purposes.

Urban public park

A common type of green area is the urban public park. These areas are typically large and offer a wide range of amenities and recreational activities for residents. They often include playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, walking trails, and even water features.

Urban public parks are designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of local people, providing spaces for relaxation, exercise and social interaction. They serve as gathering places for families, friends and community groups, promoting a sense of community and healthy lifestyle.

Public gardens

Another type of urban green area is the public garden. These meticulously designed and curated areas are dedicated to showcasing a variety of plant species from around the world.

Public gardens often feature thematic sections or collections, highlighting specific types of plants or ecosystems. They serve as educational resources, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about different plants and their habitats. Public gardens also contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by preserving rare or endangered plant species.

Small urban park

In addition to urban parks and botanical gardens, there are also smaller urban green spaces, usually dedicated to neighborhood residents. These compact green spaces are typically located in densely populated neighborhoods where space is limited.

Small urban parks provide a much-needed green oasis in otherwise concrete-dominated environments. They can include features such as seating areas, small gardens, play areas dedicated to children or even art installations. Small parks offer a place for relaxation and contemplation, providing a sense of tranquility amidst the urban chaos.

Urban public park: characteristics and functions

An urban public park is an essential component of any well-designed city. These parks offer a wide range of benefits to both residents and tourists, making them a crucial element of urban planning.

Urban public park: characteristics

The features of an urban public park can vary, but typically include open green spaces, recreational facilities, and amenities such as benches, pedestrian paths and water games.

One of the main features of an urban public park are the open green spaces. These areas represent a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering residents a place to relax and unwind.

Le recreational facilities are another important feature of urban public parks. These facilities may include playgrounds, sports fields and fitness equipment. By providing these amenities, parks encourage physical activity and help combat sedentary lifestyles.

In a public park you can't miss the benches, pedestrian routes and Water games. These elements improve the usability and accessibility of the park, making it a more inviting space for residents and tourists. Benches provide seating for relaxing or socializing, while walking paths allow for easy use of the park. Water features, such as fountains or artificial lakes, add visual interest and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Finally, every urban public park must have some useful services which make it more pleasant and welcoming. Among these services, there are areas dedicated to dogs, refreshment points, toilets, surveillance, etc.

By incorporating these amenities, urban parks become more inclusive and attractive to a greater number of people.

Urban public park: functions

As we anticipated, the urban public parks they perform different important functions.

Social and recreational

Urban public parks play an important role social function in cities, providing a space where people gather, interact and engage in various activities. These parks serve as a common meeting place, where individuals of different ages and backgrounds can meet and form social bonds.

Whether it's families enjoying a picnic, friends playing sports or strangers catching up they sit on a bench and start a conversation, urban public parks facilitate social interactions that contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, these parks often host events and activities that promote cultural diversity and community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among residents.

In general, the social function of urban public parks cannot be underestimated, as they play a vital role in creating social bonds and in improving the quality of life in cities.

Naturalistic function

Urban public parks contribute to the overall quality of life in a city. They provide a break from the concrete jungle and provide a connection to nature. Green spaces in urban areas have been shown to reduce air pollution, mitigate the heat island effect, and promote biodiversity. These Ecological benefits improve the overall sustainability and livability of a city. Additionally, parks can increase the value of surrounding properties and attract tourists, benefiting the local economy.

Health and psycho-physical well-being

Urban public parks can play a crucial role in promoting physical activity among city dwellers. These parks offer a safe and accessible space for people of all ages to engage in various activities that promote physical fitness. With well-maintained paths for walking and jogging, fitness equipment and open spaces for sports, the urban public park offers the possibility of regularly practicing physical activity.

The areas must be designed for different user targets:

• Individual physical activities, such as walking, running, fitness, etc. To promote and encourage this type of physical activity, users must be able to use dedicated paths, as well as equipment for fitness activities or other sports (climbing, skateboarding, etc.).
• Group activities. Such as team games and various group activities (yoga sessions, dance workshops, etc.), which encourage social interaction and make physical activity more enjoyable.

By providing an environment conducive to physical activity, urban public parks can help improve the overall health and well-being of city dwellers.

Play function

Urban public parks can play a crucial role in promote recreational activities among individuals of all ages. The design and layout of these parks can be optimized to encourage play and social interaction. This can include providing space for various play equipment such as swings and slides, but also bocce courts, chess tables, and more.

Educational and civic training function

The urban park contains a rich cultural aspect and serves as a valuable educational resource. Various elements contribute to this purpose, such as information panels, treetop trails, shared gardens and community gardens. These elements aim to educate visitors about the natural features of the park, including vegetation, fauna, history and culture of the city.

Cultural function

Entertainment in urban public parks is a complex and delicate issue, especially when it comes to events that attract large audiences. However, it is essential to find a balance that allows for areas dedicated to small events such as readings and concerts, which play a fundamental cultural and aggregating role. These smaller events are more frequent and easier to manage, ensuring that the park continues to play its role as precious public space. By offering a variety of entertainment options, urban public parks can cater to the diverse interests and needs of the community, further strengthening their importance as vibrant and engaging spaces.

Public park: Urban Green Law 2013

La law n. 10 of 14 January 2013, which reports the “Rules for the development of urban green spaces“, is a regulation that aims to promote and enhance green spaces in urban areas. With rapid urbanization and increasing population density in cities, it has become essential to give priority to creation and conservation of green spaces. The law recognizes the importance of urban greenery to the environment, public health and overall quality of life. It seeks to ensure that every urban area has a sufficient amount of green space to meet the needs of its residents.

One of the key provisions of the Urban Green Law is the obligation, for new urban development projects, to include a certain percentage of green space. This can be in the form of public parks, gardens or even green roofs on buildings.

Another important aspect of the Urban Green Law is the conservation and the protection of existing green spaces. The law prohibits the destruction or conversion of green areas for purposes other than greenery without proper authorization.

Law 10/2013 It is a significant step towards the creating sustainable and healthy cities. By highlighting the importance of urban greenery, it encourages a more balanced approach to urban development. With greater awareness and implementation of this law, we can expect to see more vibrant, environmentally friendly cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents.

Download the law 10/2013 in PDF format from the Ministry of the Environment website.

Other standards

Depending on the type of space to be designed, there are a series of regulations that must be respected. Let's see some examples:

• Skateboard track. UNI EN 14974 standard.
• Areas intended for children's play. UNI 1123-2004 standard.

At the same time, each type of equipment present in the park must be produced in compliance with current regulations.

Urban Public Park Design: Road Map

The design of an urban public park is a creative process that requires the use of technical analysis tools and knowledge of environmental, urban planning and landscape issues.

In this paragraph we will analyze thedesign process of a public urban park.

1. The preliminary project

The preliminary project of an urban public park, allows a rough economic evaluation of the works, it is mainly used for the planning of the expenditure forecast for the client (most often, the Municipal Administration). Among the most important documents to be prepared in a preliminary project are:

• Illustrative report.
• Graphic drawings.
• Summary calculation of expenditure.

2. The final project

The final project fully outlines the necessary construction works, respecting the requirements, criteria, constraints, guidelines and indications established in the preliminary project. It includes all the elements necessary for the issuance of the necessary authorizations and approvals.

Among the most important documents to be developed in a final project are:

• Descriptive report. Reports the design criteria used, the materials chosen and the structures integrated within the area.
• Graphic drawings. Of the structures and architectural solutions, of the surfaces and volumes to be created.
• Estimative metric computation.

2. The executive project

The executive project of an urban public park determines in detail the works to be carried out and the related expected expenditure.

Among the most important documents to be developed in an executive project are:

• Descriptive report.
• Graphic drawings.
• Metric calculation and economic framework.
• Special tender specifications.

Conclusions and reflections

An urban public park is an important component of any well-designed city. Its features, such as open green spaces, recreational facilities, and amenities, contribute to its functionality and appeal. Urban parks promote physical activity and well-being, provide spaces for social interaction and community events, and enhance the overall quality of life in a city. By incorporating these features and functions into urban planning, cities can create vibrant, livable spaces for their residents.

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Cover photo: Manuel Velasquez su Unsplash

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