[Daveography]

City talks 'paved parks' to bring Edmontonians together
Edmonton's city council is paving the way for pop-up parks, a plan that would temporarily transform stretches of street into pedestrian zones.

A non-profit group called Paths for People introduced the "Open Streets" idea to council about a year ago. The organization advocates active transportation such as cycling and walking.

"Streets become 'paved parks' where people of all ages, abilities, and social and economic backgrounds can enjoy healthy and fun physical actives and community interaction," the group's proposal says.

"Citizens are given opportunities to explore and connect with their communities in new ways, helping to combat isolation, loneliness and mental health issues."

Other cities including Winnipeg and Ottawa already host regular Open Streets events in all seasons.

"We think Edmonton is ready," said Dave Buchanan, a Paths for People board member.

"Edmonton is a place full of people who love to be outside, who love to take advantage of the good weather — in the summertime, especially — and love to be active."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmon...treets-funding-proposal-city-active-1.4027160

 

[MacLac]

Op-ed: Places for Play—How Edmonton is Designing Multigenerational Spaces for Connection, Wellbeing, and Community

When considering urban landscapes, where do parks and open spaces fit into the list of necessities? According to Shelley Robinson, Certified Playground-Design Inclusion Educator at Park N Play, it should be at the top.

www.canadianarchitect.com

 

[constance_chlore]

Some inspiration:

‘Why would you take away a parking place?’: the city where anyone can build an urban oasis​

‘Why would you take away a parking place?’: the city where anyone can build an urban oasis

Grätzloasen – low-cost, urban ‘parklets’ built by volunteers – are on the rise in Vienna as sceptics are being won over by the splash of welcome greenery and boost to community spirits

www.theguardian.com

In a quiet corner of Vienna’s well-to-do 18th district, Jana is explaining how her assembly of wooden decking and planters is bringing a bit of greenery to the area. “There’s not a single tree on this whole street – it’s just parking spaces on both sides.”

This is a grätzloase, or neighbourhood oasis – a miniature park tucked into the side of the road. With the blessing of the city hall, more than 100 of them have sprung up across Vienna. The scheme has been growing since 2015, and its proponents say it’s struck a rare balance for urban projects: cheap, community-driven and appreciated by local people.

In theory, anyone in Vienna can build one. A city-funded organisation, Local Agenda 21, provides grants of up to €5,000 to cover construction costs and helps with the admin.