Event Description

“Play space” in US cities too often conjures an image of landscapes consisting of sterile, mono-dimensional playsets designed to entertain infant and small children. Too often, parks in the US give little consideration to the inclusion of multiple generations or cultures, the mitigation of urban heat island, or inspire curiosity, adventure or inspiration. The demand for parks that are ecological and multi-functional has seldom been greater in light of the COVID-19 crisis – especially in the realm of mental health. 

Around the world, cities such as Berlin, Gelsenkirchen and Singapore have embraced planning strategies for parks that are holistic. In these cities, the play areas are planned for enjoyment for the young and old, to memorialize events, stimulate interest in the environment and ecology, use tree canopies to cool the climate, recycle stormwater, and incorporate dining, music and faith.

Join this free webinar on September 15, 2020, from 12:00pm to 1:30 pm, with Herbert Dreiseitl, for a discussion of his work on ecological play spaces in cities such as Pforzheim, Gelsenkirchen and Singapore. Herbert will share with us his work in these cities and their potential inform equivalent efforts in our region.