Tiny Parks Make Big Impact in Hong Kong

Pocket parks or micro parks may be small, but they can positively impact communities when creatively designed and strategically sited. Design Trust, a non-profit that supports design-based programs, has been redesigning four of Hong Kong's micro parks to transform public spaces in densely populated neighborhoods. As Rebecca Cairns of CNN writes in this article, in contrast to many parks in the city which have the same generic look, Design Trust has broken the mold by creating distinct designs that can showcase communities' unique histories and stories. 

Play is at the center of Design Trust's first project, Yi Pei Square, which is located in Tsuen Wan and opened in April 2021. The long, thin courtyard is surrounded by high-rise apartment buildings and was a paved area, mostly used as a footpath. Design Trust transformed the 10,010-square-foot site into a "communal living room" with play areas, exercise zones and benches. Involving the community was a critical part of the process. Creating prototypes of different elements of the park, the Design Trust team held exhibitions in co-working spaces and malls to test their ideas and engaged residents in feedback sessions where children suggested games, and the shape and size of playground structures.

To learn more about and see pictures of the vibrant pocket parks created by Design Trust, please read the source article.