{"id":42545,"date":"2025-11-28T14:14:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T12:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pl-ua.eu\/?p=42545"},"modified":"2025-11-28T14:14:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T12:14:07","slug":"what-is-needed-to-create-cities-parks-of-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pl-ua.eu\/en\/what-is-needed-to-create-cities-parks-of-the-future\/","title":{"rendered":"What is needed to create cities\u2019 parks of the future?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n


How Green Spaces Adapt to People\u2019s Needs and Environmental Challenges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Parks are far more than decorative green spaces in cities. In the 21st century, they serve as tools for climate adaptation, spaces for social cohesion, centres for biodiversity preservation and innovative models for managing the urban environment. These trends are also relevant in the Polish-Ukrainian borderland, where green infrastructure management is closely linked to various environmental, social, and economic challenges. Local communities are seeking effective solutions through cross-border cooperation projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experiences of initiatives such as GreenAction, WildInCity, ParksMatter <\/em>and CitiesOfGreen,<\/em> implemented under our Programme, demonstrate how parks are being gradually transformed from fragmented and often neglected green areas into multifunctional adaptive systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


From Recreational Areas to Climate Adaptation Infrastructure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ten to twenty years ago, city parks were mainly considered places for leisure walks. Today, their role is expanding: they contribute to addressing ecological, social, and infrastructural needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key directions of transformation include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Climate resilience<\/strong>: Strategies for heat reduction, stormwater retention, and air quality improvement.
\u2022 Biodiversity preservation<\/strong>: Development of urban biotopes, protection and enhancement of valuable ecosystems, and creation of ecological corridors for species migration.
\u2022 Social functions<\/strong>: Opportunities for inclusive recreation, education, and strengthening community ties.
\u2022 Urban value<\/strong>: Improving the quality of life, developing ecotourism, and increasing the attractiveness of surrounding areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These elements underpin projects supported by our Programme under the ENVIRONMENT priority. United by the common idea of creating modern spaces that are both comfortable for residents and supportive of the environment, they applied different approaches and tools to achieve this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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GreenAction: Parks as Climate Adaptation Infrastructure<\/strong><\/summary>\n

The project <\/a>GreenAction<\/a><\/em> demonstrates how parks can integrate engineering solutions while preserving their natural appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key practices:<\/strong>
\u2022 Strengthening riverbanks through tree planting
\u2022 Establishing stormwater retention areas and greenery to mitigate the effects of heat and heavy rainfall
\u2022 Designing \u201cnatural\u201d landscapes that require low maintenance
\u2022 Educational activities and community engagement in planning and greening public spaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Outcome:<\/strong> Parks become part of municipal climate risk management systems rather than being solely aesthetic spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

WildInCity: Coexistence of Cities and Wildlife<\/strong><\/summary>\n

The project WildInCity<\/a><\/em> focuses on integrating wildlife into urban environments. Traditionally, parks are too cultivated \u2014 frequent mowing, pruning and removal of deadwood reduce habitats for birds, insects and small mammals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WildInCity<\/em> introduces a new balance by:<\/strong>
\u2022 Establishing \u201cwild zones\u201d with natural vegetation and ecological microhabitats.
\u2022 Creating eco-trails, a \u201cGreen Classroom\u201d and quest routes to raise awareness about urban biodiversity.
\u2022 Implementing protective measures for old trees.
\u2022 Joint environmental education for audiences of different ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Outcome:<\/strong> Residents better understand ecological processes, while urban fauna gains preserved habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

ParksMatter: New Models of Green Space Management<\/strong><\/summary>\n

The project <\/em><\/strong>ParksMatter<\/a><\/em> focuses not only on greening but also on management. Creating a park is one thing; ensuring its long-term sustainability is another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main innovations:<\/strong>
\u2022 Development of park management models with extensive participation of diverse target groups, including the use of Lego Serious Play.<\/em>
\u2022 Approval of a Strategic Plan<\/em> for managing green spaces.
\u2022 Creation of an integrated system for green asset monitoring (inventory of three parks and electronic tree database).
\u2022 Strong social dimension \u2014 dialogue with communities, large-scale environmental education and inclusive recreational zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Outcome:<\/strong> Parks are recognised as elements of municipal governance, enabling long-term, systematic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

CitiesOfGreen: Green Infrastructure Without Borders<\/strong><\/summary>\n

The project CitiesOfGreen<\/a><\/em> focuses not only on the development of individual green areas, but also on creating a network of pocket parks, as demonstrated in Siedlce. In addition, the project emphasises enhancing biodiversity by promoting native plant species and considering local landscape characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best practices involve:<\/strong>
\u2022 Establishing multiple small green spaces across the city.
\u2022 Replacing uniform park plantings with a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that ensure year-round attractiveness, with an emphasis on native species and planting mature trees.
\u2022 Creating various functional zones based on residents\u2019 needs.
\u2022 Going beyond park boundaries \u2014 distribution of seedlings to households, conducting educational activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 Outcome:<\/strong> Green networks become structural elements of cross-border community development, bringing environmental and socio-economic benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Key Lessons for the Future<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Based on the experience of the four projects, several important trends and successful practices can be identified and applied in future initiatives, thereby expanding the reach of effective solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direction<\/th>Practice<\/th>Result<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Climate adaptation<\/strong><\/td>Stormwater-retaining green infrastructure, expansion of green areas<\/td>Reduced heat and flood risks, cleaner air<\/td><\/tr>
Biodiversity<\/strong><\/td>Zoning (wild\/recreational areas), preservation of native species, wildlife care<\/td>Balanced use of nature and public spaces<\/td><\/tr>
Governance<\/strong><\/td>New administrative and monitoring models<\/td>Balanced use of nature and public spaces<\/td><\/tr>
Social integration<\/strong><\/td>Education and community participation<\/td>Sustainability and transparency<\/td><\/tr>
Inclusiveness<\/strong><\/td>Functional zones for different user groups, physical accessibility<\/td>Equal access for all<\/td><\/tr>
Cross-border cooperation<\/strong><\/td>Joint planning and solutions<\/td>Synergy and knowledge transfer<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


Hidden risks<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While there may be good intentions to create attractive and functional spaces, these can be undermined if the \u201chidden pitfalls\u201d are not noticed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Maintenance funding<\/strong>: Projects often include the creation of parks, but not always their maintenance or long-term development strategy.
\u2022 Functional conflicts<\/strong>: It is not always easy to combine nature protection, recreational and service functions in parks; \u201cbeautiful\u201d and \u201ccomfortable\u201d do not always mean \u201cenvironmentally friendly\u201d.
\u2022 Climate uncertainty<\/strong>: Extreme weather conditions require flexible planning and the selection of species adapted to climate change.
\u2022 Unequal access<\/strong>: Not all population groups have the same opportunities to use green spaces.
\u2022 Insufficient communication and community involvement<\/strong>: This can lead to misunderstandings and resistance among residents. \u201cWhy is there a weed patch here instead of a flower bed?\u201d, \u201cWhy spend money on a park? Aren\u2019t there more urgent needs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Recommendations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Integrated planning<\/strong>: Parks should be included in city-wide ecological strategies.<\/td><\/tr>
2. Zoning<\/strong>: Combine natural and recreational zones while ensuring clear communication to the public.<\/td><\/tr>
3.<\/strong> Long-term management<\/strong>: How to maintain parks after project completion?
Namely, by:
\u2022 Transferring maintenance to municipal institutions;
\u2022 Establishing new protected areas with special administrations responsible for management and biodiversity conservation. When developing justification for the protected area, the appropriate category must be selected based on the park\u2019s functions and characteristics, in accordance with the environmental legislation of the respective country. After designation as a protected area, management and maintenance plans are developed for a period of 5\u201310 years, depending on the category.
\u2022 Involving partner organisations.<\/td><\/tr>
4.<\/strong> Monitoring<\/strong>: Regularly collect data on biodiversity, climate indicators, and resident satisfaction.<\/td><\/tr>
5.<\/strong> Community engagement<\/strong>: Foster volunteering, citizen science, and environmental education.<\/td><\/tr>
6. Interregional cooperation<\/strong>: Share developed models with other cities and communities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Parks have long exceeded the role of \u201cplaces for walking\u201d. Today, they serve as mechanisms to adapt to climate change, preserve nature, provide spaces for rehabilitation and strengthen communities \u2014 and, thanks to our projects, enable fruitful cross-border cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The experience of the GreenAction<\/em><\/strong>, WildInCity<\/strong>, ParksMatter<\/strong><\/em> and CitiesOfGreen<\/em><\/strong> projects proves that a modern park is a living system that responds to future challenges while creating a comfortable and safe environment for both people and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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