Community Park Design: Enhancing Children’s Awareness of Nature and Ecosystem Services

• Ciara McCarron, Landscape Architecture, University of Delaware

• Anna Wik, Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware

In a world with an obsession for urbanization, landscape architecture brings a refreshing new wave of change by advocating for environmental education and ecological awareness. The idea of sustainability coexisting with landscape architecture goes all the way back to the early 20th century, when Frederick Law Olmsted understood the importance of public green spaces in urban areas for public health and social well-being. This study explores the significance of community park design and the benefit of using native plants to create a more healthy and sustainable environment. The three main projects my study focuses on are Battery Park Planting and Playground Design, Head Start of Delaware Outdoor Learning Environments, and Pollinator Planting Templates (NCC Land Use). By visiting and examining different successful park designs my research has allowed me to understand the elements that lead to an engaging, educational, and sustainable landscape. These elements include native plants, rain gardens, safe play spaces, and the incorporation of natural materials. Furthermore, this study highlights the significance of involving the local community and children into the design development process to ensure that the public’s needs and interests are met since they are the everyday users of the site. The results illustrate that community parks that are designed with environmental education and ecological awareness in mind allow children to have a more useful space to learn about biodiversity, water management, climate awareness, and create a connection with nature.