Dog Parks And Fitness Areas: 7 Ideas On How Malta Can Transform Its Urban Open Spaces
Virgin land is becoming more and more of a rarity in urban areas due to a rise in development.
However, there exists opportunities to transform these often closed-off sections of land into public open spaces. Some of these properties are located in very busy urban areas and could relieve the residents by offering something that we definitely need – more alternative options.
Obviously, these pieces of land have immense value for developers, especially with current property prices.
However, the Government has promised to invest €700 million to add more green spaces and it could surely implement a scheme to buy this land at a fixed rate, depending on the area the land is located. By determining a fixed rate beforehand, both in rural and urban areas, the Government could make long-term investments by protecting land in city centres and turning them into parks and open spaces for residents.
Considering the enormous budget allocated to environmental protection, it would be a great idea for the Government to acquire this land and avoid its development.
There are many ways one could open up a small space for public use and enjoyment but here are a few ideas:
1) Create a park or playground: This could be a great way to provide an outdoor space for children and families to enjoy. Features like playground equipment, a walking path, benches, and picnic tables could be included.
2) Turn the space into a community garden: A community garden can provide a green space for people to grow their own produce, flowers, and other plants. It can also be a great way to bring people together and promote a sense of community.
3) Develop an outdoor performance space: If the space is large enough, you could create an outdoor performance space where people can enjoy concerts, plays, and other live performances.
4) Create an outdoor fitness area: Fitness equipment could be installed or a space for outdoor fitness classes, such as yoga or boot camp, could be created.
5) Open an outdoor small library or reading space: A small library could be a great way to provide a quiet and peaceful space for people to relax and read.
6) Create a dog park: A dog park could be a great way to provide a space for dog owners to let their pets run and play off-leash.
7) Develop a community gathering space: A space could be created for people to come together for events, meetings, and other community gatherings. This could include tables, chairs, and possibly a small stage or presentation area.
All these ideas are very easily implementable and are a low-cost solution to the congestion and over-development issues occurring in our towns and villages. Another benefit is that they do not require much space and even small plots would suffice.
Would you like more creative uses for space in urban areas?
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