POCKET PARKS

A literature case study

Pocket parks-are urban open space at the very small scale

Usually only a few house lots in size or smaller, pocket parks can be tucked into and scattered throughout

The urban fabric where they serve the immediately local population
The ecological functions of pocket parks are probably limited Pocket parks can help regulate microclimates and act as the lungs of the city.

Essential elements: Small size: Generally the area of the pocket park is less than a 4 acre. Local community: These parks rely on a local population for their use ( to at least make sure they are maintained) Uses/functions: Small events, especially neighborhood events Rest, relaxation Lunch breaks Play, both individual and group Elements: (not all elements can necessarily be accommodated within any one park) Plantings, trees, often water Natural elements are a common feature of pocket parks Play areas Areas to sit Gathering places

A MIDTOWN POCKET PARK: PALEY PARK

Size: 4,200 square feet .1acre Location: midtown Manhattan, new York city, new York Date created: 1967 Designed by: Zion and Breen associates Uses: rest & relaxation, lunch area, sight-seeing, meeting spot, etc.

Features: 17 honey locust trees, 20-foot waterfall on back wall, moveable chairs, Concession stand, ivy-covered walls. Paley park is often cited as one of the finest urban spaces in the united states Unlike some pocket parks, Paley Park does not attempt to be multi-functional. It is primarily A place for sitting and Relaxing and, despite catering to A limited user group, is extremely busy and popular Because of the high density of workers, shoppers, and tourists in the area Paley park is designed for the users of that locality.

Measuring 4,200 square feet (390 M2), the park offers A quiet urban oasis in the midst of the bustling city by the careful use of falling water, airy trees, lightweight furniture and simple spatial organization Key to its success is a 20-foot (6.1 m) high waterfall spanning the entire back of the park. The waterfall creates a backdrop of grey noise to mask the sounds of the city. The park is surrounded by walls on three sides and is open to the street (with an ornamental gate) on the fourth side, facing the street A wheelchair ramp is positioned on either side of the four steps that lead into the park which is elevated from the sidewalk level

The park displays a unique blend of synthetic materials, textures, colors and sounds The wire mesh chairs and marble tables are light and don't detract from the surroundings The green of the ivy-covered wall contrasts with colorful flowers, and the white waterfall, cascading at 1800 gallons per minute, creates a sound barrier to the noise from the street The honey locust trees were planted at 12-foot (3.7 m) intervals.