Case Study

Park Ring

Project to create public spaces connected into a ring in the historic Schneider’s Green Belt.

What happened?

An initiative project took place on the territory of the historic Schneider’s Green Belt, which was founded in the city 100 years ago on the basis of a rampart (fortification) ring. The implementation of the project ensures the restoration and strengthening of the ecological carcass of the city and an increase of green areas, the creation of a multi-kilometer walking route, the formation of open multifunctional public spaces that are geographically accessible from different parts of the city, stimulates the development of eco-mobility, event activity, and the development of small business.

  • Who can help?
  • Cultural organisations.
  • Local NGOs.
  • Administrative units – regional in this case.
Park Ring

Why?

The process of creating space and venues for cultural events in the Park Ring may involve citizens (especially residents of adjacent areas) and integrate local communities.

One of spatial goals of the project was formation of a single looped network of green public spaces (parks), provided with pedestrian, eco-mobile, recreational infrastructure. To achieve that organizers need to change urban planning documents (General Plan, Land use and development rules) and strategy in favor of eco-mobility and livability.

Alongside the cultural and spatial programmes there was a need for research and data collection about the territory. Organizers wanted to promote the idea and increase public participation in urban planning and development. Project was to strengthen the activist community, increase its expertise and to develop constructive relations between citizens, city authorities and developers.

How? (tools & methods)

  • Design workshops and seminars helped organizers to explore the area in a more detailed way, to determine approaches and find solutions to its development and improvement, to involve new participants. They also prepared presentations, lectures, discussions, public hearings and consultations with experts.
  • The project consisted of a festival of urban interventions and exploratory walks and bike tours.
  • The realisation phase consisted of:
    • developing the concept of the project „Park Ring”
    • presenting the project to citizens
    • formating the project team
    • carrying out activities for the appropriation of the territory and the involvement of citizens
    • research
    • design
    • promotion

For whom?

  • The project is aimed at the entire population of the city of Kaliningrad (475 thousand people), as it will contribute to improving the environmental situation, increasing the level of comfort of the urban environment and improving quality of life.
  • Particular attention is paid to the needs and interests of such demographic and social groups as:
    • children, approx. 90 thousand people
    • adults with parental responsibilities, more than 240 thousand people – the formation of safe and comfortable places for leisure, walking, communication
    • adolescents and youth, approx. 44 thousand people – creation of places and leisure infrastructure)
    • cyclists, about 10% of the adult population of the city
    • pedestrians, users of eco-mobile vehicles – scooters, monowheels, skateboards, etc.)
    • people with limited mobility – ensuring the availability of all parks, creating a barrier-free environment
    • elderly, 66 thousand people – creation of places of rest, relaxation, walks
    • lovers of sports, fitness, healthy lifestyles – creation of sports grounds, conditions for health-improving practices
    • residents of adjacent urban areas, most of which are devoid of green spaces and public spaces in terms of territorial accessibility

What worked out?

The concept of Park Ring was created. It refers to a network of interconnected public spaces based on Schneider’s green belt. The project attracted attention of citizens and authorities to the idea.

What should you be aware of?

Nature of the project (initiative, volunteer work) is often related to lack of professional competencies and specialist knowledge. Also lack of funds may cause many difficulties.

    Data obtained by cookies and similar technologies serves to help us improve the website and make sure our readers get the content they want thanks to the use of statistics. If you do not agree to your data being processed, please make sure to change your browser settings. If you have any questions regarding our policies on data processing, please feel free to contact us at iodo@ikm.gda.pl

    Close