miniparks
Tiny urban oases
Miniparks are small urban green spaces, typically under an acre, designed to provide recreational areas in dense neighborhoods where larger parks aren't feasible.
Also called pocket parks or vest-pocket parks, they often occupy vacant lots, rooftops, or oddly shaped parcels between buildings.
The city converted the abandoned corner lot into a minipark with benches and a small playground.
They serve as breathing room in otherwise built-up areas.
Public open squares
- urban green spaceVegetated land in cities
- city squaresOpen urban gathering spaces
- streetscapeUrban corridor's appearance
- infillMaterial closing gaps
public seating · urban renewal · walkability · city planners · vacant lot · revitalization · street trees · benches
Area for communal assembly
- neighborsThose dwelling nearby
- social interactionCommunication between people
- play areasDesignated recreation spaces
- dog-friendlyAllowing canine companions
events · farmers markets · food trucks · community gardens · public art · inclusive design · intergenerational · safety
Planning outdoor environments professionally
- hardscapeConstructed outdoor elements
- softscapeLiving landscape components
- plantersVessels for cultivating vegetation
- native plantsFlora original to area
shade structures · water features · art installations · lighting · accessibility · small-scale · modular · low-maintenance
Scheduled eating interval
- readingInterpreting written text
- people-watchingObserving strangers in public
- bocceItalian target ball game
- outdoor yogaFlexibility practice in nature
children's play · picnic spots · respite · meditation · stretching · relaxation · birdwatching · photography
plazas
Public open squares
- urban green spaceVegetated land in cities
- city squaresOpen urban gathering spaces
- streetscapeUrban corridor's appearance
infill · public seating · urban renewal · walkability · city planners · vacant lot · revitalization · street trees · benches · shade
gathering space
Area for communal assembly
- neighborsThose dwelling nearby
- social interactionCommunication between people
- play areasDesignated recreation spaces
dog-friendly · events · farmers markets · food trucks · community gardens · public art · inclusive design · intergenerational · safety · activation
landscape architecture
Planning outdoor environments professionally
- hardscapeConstructed outdoor elements
- softscapeLiving landscape components
- plantersVessels for cultivating vegetation
native plants · shade structures · water features · art installations · lighting · accessibility · small-scale · modular · low-maintenance · drought-tolerant
lunchbreak
Scheduled eating interval
- readingInterpreting written text
- people-watchingObserving strangers in public
- bocceItalian target ball game
outdoor yoga · children's play · picnic spots · respite · meditation · stretching · relaxation · birdwatching · photography · sketching
miniparksregional parks
Managed public natural areas
national parks · state parks · Central Park · Yellowstone · nature reserves