In cities around the world, there is a growing awareness of the importance of urban greenery. One of the most innovative solutions in this field is pocket parks. These small but much-needed green spaces bring a breath of fresh air to urban landscapes, improving residents’ quality of life and contributing to sustainable urban development. Concrete elements play an important role in the design of such spaces, helping to organise the layout.
What are pocket parks?
Pocket parks are small, public green spaces, usually covering an area of no more than 500 m². They are created in places that were previously neglected or unused, such as wasteland, squares or areas adjacent to buildings. Their main purpose is to create an oasis of greenery in densely built-up urban areas where there is a lack of larger parks and recreational spaces. The history of pocket parks is quite long, dating back over 50 years. In 1967, Paley Park, covering an area of just 390 square metres, was created in Manhattan. This small space, squeezed between two buildings and a wall, consists of just a few trees, planters and tables with chairs, as well as an architectural feature in the form of an artificial waterfall. Since then, pocket parks have become very popular all over the world, including in Poland. Today, they are springing up like mushrooms after rain and are most often designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable urban planning. Hence, in addition to using native vegetation, their construction involves durable, usually concrete elements, as well as surfaces that allow water to permeate into the soil. What are the benefits of pocket parks?
Environmental benefits
One of the most important aspects of pocket parks is their impact on the environment. These small green spaces help improve air quality by reducing pollution levels and increasing the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. Plants in pocket parks absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful substances, which helps in the fight against climate change. Additionally, pocket parks support biodiversity by creating habitats for various plant and animal species. In cities, where natural ecosystems are often destroyed by infrastructure development, such spaces provide a refuge for local flora and fauna.
Social benefits
Pocket parks also have a huge impact on the social lives of city dwellers. They serve as places for meeting, recreation and relaxation in the open air, away from the hustle and bustle and stress of city life. Research shows that contact with nature has a positive impact on mental and physical health, reducing stress levels, improving mood and enhancing overall quality of life.
Factors affecting the water permeability of paving
It is important to remember that this type of surface will only fulfil its purpose if the slabs and pavers are laid on a suitable, permeable sub-base. The sub-base should be selected to suit the geotechnical conditions, intended use and the drainage system employed. The bedding layer on the sub-base should be no less than 3 cm thick and should consist of washed sand with a grain size of 0–2 mm or crushed aggregate of 0–5 mm. The method of filling the joints and voids in the pavers is also important – these can be filled with soil, gravel or crushed aggregate. The percentage of open area, the method of joint filling and the type of sub-base determine the surface’s water permeability. In pocket parks within urban spaces, in addition to a well-constructed sub-base and bedding, attention must be paid to the correct laying of individual pavers (they must not be laid too tightly or too loosely) and the appropriate profiling of the bed. In the case of waterlogged ground, a drainage layer is required. Joints should be completely filled with washed sand. For the functionality and usability of the surface, it is crucial to match the thickness of the pavers to the actual load.
Pocket park in Kielce
Polbruk has once again become involved in the ‘Green Patronage of the City of Kielce’ project, which aims to create a friendly, green public space. A few years ago, thanks to this collaboration, the ‘Green Corner’ was created – a relaxation area for people waiting at bus stops, built in front of the railway station. In 2024, a new project was implemented, named: The Green Lungs of Kielce – Pocket Park. The project is being carried out thanks to the support of residents who voted for it as part of the Kielce Citizens’ Budget. Over 2,000 people supported this initiative, recognising the need to create new green spaces in the city.
The guiding principle behind creating a pocket park is to adapt the greenery to the available space. Therefore, creating this type of space requires virtually no land alterations or costly investments. Small parks are designed to blend into the urban landscape rather than transform it, thereby enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal in a cost-effective manner and improving the quality of life for its residents. Today, this is a leading trend in urban architecture, combining the functionality of concrete paving integrated into urban greenery.
The project utilises Extrano openwork slabs, which combine three features: they harden the surface, promote water retention and, thanks to their original design, create a unique effect in the space. The slab is square in shape, with sides measuring 50 cm, and features holes resembling ears of grain. Another advantage of the Extrano slabs is their thickness, which is 8 cm. This means that, in addition to pedestrians, vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can also travel on them. The biologically active surface area of the slab is 12%, which allows for the creation of a surface that facilitates water retention.
