China released the Guidelines for the Construction of Pocket Parks (Part 1)

▲ An aerial photo shows a "pocket park" in Laixi in Qingdao, Shandong province. [China Daily/ Zhang Jingang]

To scientifically promote the construction of pocket parks, optimize the layout of urban green spaces, improve supporting service functions, and enhance the level of maintenance and management, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development organized the compilation of the Guidelines for the Construction of Pocket Parks. This guideline applies to the planning, design, construction, and management of pocket parks within urban areas.

1. General Principles.

1.1 Definition.

A pocket park is a publicly accessible, small-scale, and diverse park with certain recreational functions, typically covering an area between 400 and 10,000 square meters. It is characterized by flexible site selection, simplicity, practicality, and environmental friendliness.

1.2 Construction principles.

The construction of pocket parks follows these principles:

(1) Adaptation to local conditions.

In conjunction with implementing urban renewal, pocket parks are being built by leaving spaces for greenery, removing illegal structures for greening, and utilizing gaps for green areas. Fully respect and utilize the original terrain and vegetation, highlighting local cultural features to create a unique landscape for each park.

(2) Convenience and accessibility.

Fully consider the needs of the surrounding community, prioritize locations in areas lacking sufficient park and green space service coverage, and meet the requirements for elderly and child-friendly facilities. Increase activity spaces and improve supporting facilities to create diverse activity venues.

(3) Safety and comfort.

Site selection and construction should avoid various potential risk factors, scientifically layout functions, and effectively control the interference of different leisure activities in the parks on nearby residents.

(4) Economy and practicality.

Implement the concept of resource-efficient and green low-carbon landscaping, prioritize the application of native plants, reasonably allocate facilities based on community needs, and advocate for energy-saving, water-saving materials, technologies, and techniques.

(5) Co-construction and sharing.

Explore the establishment of a diversified construction and management mechanism led by the government with social participation. Encourage citizens to participate in the site selection, design, construction, and maintenance management of parks, fostering a shared and beautiful environment.

2. Layout.

2.1 Site Selection.

(1) Old town.

Fully explore the potential of marginal land, vacant land, land cleared from the demolition of illegal structures, and other available spaces within the city for planning and constructing pocket parks. This aims to increase the coverage radius of park and green space services and promote the transformation and upgrading of existing public spaces.

(2) New urban areas.

Integrate with relevant green space planning, aiming for "greenery within 300 meters, parks within 500 meters." Add and allocate pocket parks to build an urban park system with a balanced layout and reasonable facilities.

2.2 Layout requirements.

(1) Filling service gaps.

Based on systematic analysis of the spatial distribution of urban parks and green spaces, priority shall be given to the service blind spots and areas with high community demand but the total amount of parks and green spaces is insufficient, to increase the number of pocket parks.

(2) Integrating the layout with urban renewal.

Integrate renewal and construction of old neighborhoods, commercial districts, back streets, and alleys, and the construction of complete communities to lay out pocket parks. Encourage the construction of pocket parks around residential areas, primary and secondary schools, and kindergartens.

(3) Protecting and utilizing historical and cultural resources.

Encourage the construction of pocket parks in conjunction with the protection of historic remains such as ancient and famous trees, ancient bridges and wells, etc. In historic and cultural areas and historic districts, the construction of pocket parks should focus on coordination and harmony with the historical environment.

2.3 Scale and function.

(1) Scale classification.

Pocket parks can be classified into small, medium, and large types based on their size. It is advisable to scientifically determine the proportion of green space and the green coverage rate according to the scale and usage needs of the pocket park to ensure the allocation of activity areas and service facilities.

(2) Main functions.

The main functions of pocket parks include leisure and recreation, children's play, sports and fitness, cultural display, science education, and so on. The functional combination and spatial zoning should be reasonably determined based on the needs of the surrounding population. Various activity and service facilities should be configured according to the site conditions and surrounding municipal facilities. Facility configurations must comply with relevant standards and specifications, and selected facilities should be safe, durable, and easy to maintain and manage.

Source:

<https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202406/content_6959879.htm>

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/7rDoAKkk00qa5a5M86HFCA