China to build over 1000 urban pocket parks in 2022

The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has announced on August 9th to encourage the construction of over 1000 urban pocket parks nationwide in 2022, to provide convenient, accessible and properly managed public parks and green activity spaces to the public.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Notice on Promoting Building Pocket Parks （hereby referred as “the Notice”）， the site selection process of pocket parks should prioritize areas where the existing public green activity space coverage is not sufficient. In the design and construction process, ensure the protection of the existing terrain and landform, ensure the protection of big trees and old trees, and the selection of local plants are preferred. Thoroughly consider the needs of surrounding residents, increase activity spaces, and ensure the pocket parks and age-friendly and child-friendly.

Pocket parks are small-size, various-shaped public spaces that contains certain functions for relaxation and play. The size of pocket parks are usually between 400 square metres to 10000 square metres. Types of pocket parks include small parks and playgrounds, as well as small green spaces, etc. Because pocket parks are usually small, environmental-friendly and are convenient for the residents to use, pocket parks are generally welcomed.

The Notice requires that all provincial-level Housing and Urban-Rural Development departments should study and draft the local Building Pocket Parks Implementation Plan for 2022, which include a construction plan （containing the amount of pocket parks, and the location, size, funding, and other relevant details）， the detailed steps for the upcoming work, and the supporting measures. All provinces, autonomous regions, and direct-administrated municipalities should aim to build more than 40 pocket parks, and Xinjiang and Tibet could draft plans according to local needs.

Source: <https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/b0nz6z0MMMP9yh1SffZtpQ>

Translated by: Junyi Fan