Benefits of Urban Greening
Harnessing the Power of Plants
This initiative represents a visionary and innovative approach that is poised to shape the future of our city in several ways. The incorporation of dense reforestation areas within the park aligns with scientific research demonstrating the vital role of forests in biodiversity conservation. These areas will not only provide a sanctuary for local fauna and flora but also contribute to the overall ecological health of our city. The park becomes a living laboratory for ecological studies and serves as a testament to our commitment to preserving and enhancing our natural environment.
Delivering Multiple Benefits
The inclusion of a native tree park, with a diverse range of tree species, underscores the scientific understanding of the positive impacts of urban greenery on air quality, temperature regulation and overall well-being. Scientific studies have consistently shown that such green spaces improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance mental and physical health.
Moreover, the park’s green and blue infrastructure, which includes rain gardens and bio-swales, reflects scientific evidence that supports sustainable urban planning. Phytoremediation, the use of plants to treat rainwater, has been proven to mitigate pollution and promote water quality, reducing the strain on conventional drainage systems.
By doing so, it paves the way for a bold and innovative future for our city, one that prioritises sustainability, biodiversity, and the well-being of its residents. It sets a precedent for forward-thinking urban planning that seeks to harmonise human development with the natural world.
The City’s Bold and Innovative Vision
Based on the study of the terrain’s topography and the current context of the immediate surroundings of the park, the project focuses on surface waters. A green infrastructure system with bio-swales to capture surface water from the park has been proposed. These bio-swales lead to a water accommodation garden located in the lowest part of the terrain. Additionally, in the proposed public sidewalk of the project, rain gardens have been designed to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by the large areas of impermeable soil in the neighbourhood. These multi-functional green/blue infrastructures not only serve an ecological purpose but also have an educational aspect for park visitors.
The project specifies predominantly native vegetation capable of attracting wildlife, dividing it into different layers and uses. For the tree species, a high density, verticality, some sculptural species, others fruit-bearing, and some with exuberant flowering were sought. For the shrub species, a palette with different foliage, tones, heights, and forms is proposed. Ground cover is defined as grass and other low-growing species, suitable for more ornamental areas, and for the green/blue infrastructures, species that tolerate the expected conditions and integrate water management into the park system have been proposed as part of the local and surrounding improvement infrastructure system.
With the implementation of the park, a system for managing organic matter will be established to handle materials such as pruning, leaves, etc. in a closed-loop system for soil and microbiota restoration.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Realengo Park aims to transform a military area into a public urban park. The park interfaces with various disciplines and sectors, such as education, culture, sports and leisure, infrastructure, environment, and urban planning. The Park serves as a green area of eight hectares, with three main buildings (with a library, auditorium, area for administration, area for free market, public market and entertainment areas), besides cultural and sports spaces.
In Realengo Park, a sports complex, playful children’s areas, a children’s water park, sports courts, a climbing wall, a skatepark, lounging and leisure areas, and a senior citizens’ gym have been designed. It also includes stands for small events, public restrooms, pergolas as covered areas and urban furniture. Various private professionals collaborated on the project, including civil engineers, surveyors, biologists, hydraulic engineers, electrical engineers, architects, artists, as well as urban planners and landscapers.
Addressing Urban Challenges
The Issue
The area of Realengo is one of the warmest in the city and is beginning to suffer with heat islands and flooding caused by lack of green areas. The project aims to mitigate these issues, bringing a microclimate and a leisure park for the population. The military area, which was given by the army to the City Hall, has been fought by the residents to become a green and ecological park for the last 20 years.
The Impact of the Issue
Now, with the new park, the population and fauna will have a green spot to rest in a dense urban area, with rain gardens, water accommodation gardens and bioswales to minimise the issue of flooding in the site. Also, the native trees, native bushes, the pomar and five metallic towers with sprinklers, will make the area less warm and less dry, generating a better place to be inside the park and its surroundings.
A Nature Oriented Future
Parque Realengo is designed with flexible boundaries, including an external public square area where the sports complex, external market, and the proposed public walkway and bike path are located. It also offers a versatile cultural centre structure, allowing for enclosed spaces and access control. Currently proposed for an auditorium, study and research area, storage, administration, and a café, it has a total area of 869 square metres.
Envisaged for the consolidation of the commercial hub at the intersection of Pedro Gomes and General Raposo streets, with an anticipated area of 880 square metres, the park will also be capable of housing up to 20 shops of 15 square metres each.
Additionally, an internal market will be built with 576 square metres, to accommodate various programs such as a multipurpose space for fairs, events and various activities. Among its facilities, there is an ecopoint, an area designated for the collection and sorting of all park solid waste. It includes two containers for recycling and one composting area for organic waste with a total area of 625 square metres.
Nature Positive Solutions
Implementation
Realengo Park aims to be an example of an ecological park. After more than 20 years of fighting for this park, the population is receiving a public green area, showing the rest of the city and the country that real estate speculation does not always win. The park will be an example of how a green area directly impacts the life of residents, generating better air quality, biodiversity spots and respectful water management, bringing water to the vision and educating people about the importance of nature and social cohesion.
Feasibility
Realengo Park is currently in the midst of extensive construction work, meticulously supervised by the City Hall, with completion scheduled for 2024. This ambitious undertaking occupies a central position in the city’s development plans, mobilising the joint management of several departments such as the Conservation Secretariat, the Urban Cleaning Company and the Park & Gardens Foundation. Furthermore, plans are actively progressing to establish a new concession framework through a Consortium Urban Operation, that will safeguard the preservation of the park and actively contribute to the achievement of its long-term management.
Multi-Stakeholder Support
The park is a result of the fight of the population to create this green area. The parties involved were firstly, the population of Realengo, followed by City Hall and the National Government. After that, the urban and landscape office Ecomimesis, together with many other professionals, could implement a multi-disciplinary park, with many people involved and many different desires, with one in common goal: to make a better place to live. The project aimed to unite all these people and desires into the Realengo Park.
Management and Maintenance
Realengo Park is embracing the “Operação Urbana Consorciada” (Consortium for Urban Operation) as a pivotal instrument in its implementation. This approach entails entrusting the park’s maintenance and activation to the private sector for an extensive 35-year period. This strategy is a robust public-private partnership, wherein the private sector assumes the critical responsibility for preserving and enlivening the park. Under the Consortium, the City Hall will maintain a vital supervisory role, actively overseeing and inspecting the operator’s activities. This collaborative framework ensures that the park not only receives the essential care and upkeep it deserves but also remains in harmony with the city’s overarching vision for urban development and public recreation.
By harnessing the combined strengths of the public and private sectors, this approach strives to cultivate a sustainable and vibrant park environment, one that continues to enrich the local community and elevate the city’s broader urban landscape.
Measuring and Reporting Impact
Monitoring Results
The Municipal Urban Information System in Rio de Janeiro plays a crucial role in streamlining public administration and supporting municipal policies. Its primary goal is to collect, manage, integrate and continually update a comprehensive dataset about the city. This repository of information fosters efficient communication among municipal bodies, promoting cohesive efforts in support of public policies.
DATA.RIO, generated from this system, provides a wealth of data, statistics, maps and other valuable information. It is used internally by the City of Rio de Janeiro to plan and manage various public services effectively. The data can also be accessed through the WEB by communities and universities.
One significant benefit of this data-centric approach is the ability to measure progress and assess the impact of initiatives. By comparing data on patients in public healthcare facilities before and after the creation of new green spaces, the city can evaluate improvements in citizens’ mental health. Monitoring air quality and noise levels before and after park implementation aligns with scientific findings that peaceful public areas enhance mental wellbeing.
Many cities recognise the value of investing in public spaces to alleviate the burden on healthcare resources, improving residents’ quality of life while potentially reducing healthcare costs.
Additionally, Rio de Janeiro is actively addressing climate change and resilience through its Climate Action Plan, supported by the C40 Cities. This underscores the city’s commitment to tackling global environmental challenges through data-driven strategies, scientific research, and international collaboration, ultimately building a more sustainable and resilient future for its residents.
Demonstrating Progress
The process of closely monitoring projects and their various phases is an invaluable practice that offers several significant benefits. Firstly, it allows for real-time corrections during implementation, instilling confidence within the project team and among citizens. This transparency and adaptability foster trust and ensure that the project remains on the right track.
Furthermore, continuous monitoring of a project piques the interest of potential partners, including those from the private sector, other government levels and financial agencies. These stakeholders are more likely to engage when they can witness the project’s progress and its alignment with their interests and goals.
Monitoring encompasses all stages of the project, from planning and construction to its everyday use by citizens once it’s open. This comprehensive approach provides essential insights and knowledge, enabling project managers to fine-tune strategies and make data-driven decisions.
Throughout the implementation phase, Rio’s Project Management Office (PMO) plays a pivotal role. It meticulously manages risks and updates financial and physical schedules on a weekly basis. This transdisciplinary perspective ensures that every aspect of the project, from its financial health to its risk mitigation strategies, remains in focus and is addressed promptly.
In essence, the practice of continuous monitoring not only enhances project management but also reinforces accountability, builds partnerships and promotes efficient decision-making, all of which are crucial for the success and sustainability of complex initiatives.
Measuring Impact
The implementation of the project incorporates a robust approach that combines both quantitative and qualitative methods for comprehensive evaluation. The City of Rio’s Project Management Office (PMO) plays a pivotal role by providing regular updates on risk management, and financial and physical schedules on a weekly basis. This approach ensures a holistic, transdisciplinary view throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Quantitative data collection is a key component of this approach. Metrics such as the number of new trees planted and the area of new vegetation are diligently recorded. Additionally, air quality and sound levels are quantitatively measured before and after the park’s creation. These quantitative data points enable cross-referencing with other datasets, such as health-related information.
For instance, by examining data on the prevalence of depression and the utilisation of public hospitals, the project can assess whether the establishment of more green areas has had an impact on reducing the demand for healthcare services related to mental health. This holistic analysis allows for evidence-based conclusions regarding the project’s effects on public health and wellbeing.
The integration of both quantitative and qualitative methods in project evaluation underscores the commitment to thorough and data-driven decision-making. It ensures that the project’s goals are not only met but also contribute positively to the overall quality of life for the city’s residents. This approach exemplifies a modern, evidence-based approach to urban development that can lead to more sustainable and healthy communities.
Learning and Transferability
Adaption and Enhancement
The Realengo ‘Susana Naspolini’ Park started to take shape in early June 2023, when 11 shops were delivered, each with nine square metres, setting up a popular market to organise the pre-existing commerce in the area. Next to the market, there is a multi-purpose space that can host fairs and events, among other activities.
A long-standing demand of the residents, Realengo Park construction began in September of 2022, by the Parks and Gardens Foundation, and it is one of the goals of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall Strategic Plan until 2024. The project envisions a green space that serves as a reference point, enhancing the area and improving the quality of life for the population. Covering approximately 77,000 square metres, the park was designed to benefit not only Realengo but also a larger area in the Metropolitan Region. The investment is approximately R$ 72 million.
Furthermore, the park was named Susana Naspolini Park in honour of the journalist who always stood out for her competence in her profession and her connection with the people of Rio de Janeiro. Charismatic, Susana conducted community reporting that was of great importance to the population, helping the public administration optimise the delivery of services for the benefit of the people of Rio de Janeiro.
Potential for Replication
The expectation is very positive because, above all, it will enhance a region that has always lacked a space that provides leisure and culture. The park will be a great option for many families who previously had to go to Madureira’s Park for entertainment. The park will also feature a cultural area. The existing ruins on the site will be preserved, and a metal pathway will connect this area to a new cultural space that will be constructed.
The park will have seven entrances for the public and an 11,200 square metre wooded area with the planting of native species from the Atlantic Forest. Visitors will be able to enjoy a vegetable garden and an orchard, which will be part of the productive area where residents will have opportunities to learn about land and food management.
There will also be an eco-point for the collection and sorting of all solid waste in the park. There will be two containers, with waste separation for recycling, and a composting bin for receiving and composting organic waste.
Inspiring Other Cities
The initiative to create Realengo Park in the city has the potential to inspire similar urban greening ambitions in various ways.
Firstly, it draws inspiration from Gardens By The Bay in Singapore, showcasing the appeal of creating world-class green attractions to boost tourism and enhance a city’s reputation.
Secondly, it addresses climate change challenges such as heat islands and flooding with innovative solutions. This could capture the attention of cities facing similar climate-related issues, serving as a model for climate-resilient urban green spaces.
Thirdly, Realengo Park’s bio-swales for rainwater management may interest cities dealing with urban flooding problems. The project’s eco-friendly approach of capturing rainwater for the city’s drainage system offers a sustainable solution.
Moreover, the use of expropriated military-owned land highlights the strategic use of urban space, which may inspire other cities to transform underutilised areas into green, sustainable urban zones.
Lastly, Realengo Park exemplifies investing in greener, more sustainable cities. It showcases how urban green spaces can benefit the environment and the community, potentially inspiring other cities to invest in similar projects.
In summary, Realengo Park’s climate solutions, rainwater management, land use strategy and emphasis on sustainability can interest other cities. It demonstrates how urban greening initiatives can be customised to local circumstances and inspire cities to raise their own ambitions in creating more green and sustainable urban environments.
Resilience
Reducing Negative Impacts and Ensuring Sustainability
Located in the western zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Realengo Park is situated 30 km away from the city centre. It is characterised as part of the Rio de Janeiro suburbs that grew around the Realengo train station. Today, it is the third most popular neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, and the current lack of public green space in this neighbourhood is noteworthy. It also suffers from heat islands within the neighbourhood and its surrounding areas.
Inside a residential area with a historical military background, the park is situated on the site of the former Realengo cartridge factory. The neighbourhood is vibrant with various uses, notably educational facilities such as schools, technical schools and universities, as well as local commerce along Avenida Santa Cruz. However, it still lacks urban amenities dedicated to high-quality leisure and contemplation that would serve the residents of the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. In this context, the primary proposal for Realengo Park is to design structures for leisure, social interaction and quality sociability in contact with nature.
Environmental Considerations
The park will have seven entrances for the public and a forest with 11,200 square meters, featuring the planting of native species from the Atlantic Forest. Visitors will be able to enjoy a garden and an orchard, which will be part of the productive area where residents will have opportunities to learn about land and food management.
There will also be an eco-collection point for the collection and sorting of all solid waste in the park. There will be two containers with waste separation for recycling and a composting area dedicated to receiving and composting organic waste.
Use of Natural Resources
To function as a focal point, the urban-landscape intervention of Realengo Park has been structured to incorporate multiple activities aimed at attracting, providing comfort, ensuring safety and enhancing the well-being of residents and visitors. The goal is to promote a hub of urban, environmental, social and economic development for the Realengo neighbourhood, contributing to the strengthening of recreational, sports, commercial and cultural activities linked to the historical value of the neighbourhood.
Three types of typologies prevail in the park. Dense reforestation allows for the creation of areas of high ecological relevance for fauna and flora, along with a softening of the perception of the built environment. Another typology creates an arboreal park context, more ornamental but without sacrificing good shading and a wide variety of species. The remaining areas consist of more open spaces with lawns for social and recreational use.
The park also manages rainwater, retaining and treating it through phytoremediation with an interconnected network of rain gardens, bio-swales and densely planted accommodation gardens. With an area of 80,568 square meters, located in the central region of the neighbourhood, the park is a privileged area for the development of new connections with the city. The project aims to enhance existing socio-environmental and urban relationships, structuring an ecological facility that, through nature-based solutions, enables new routes and connections within the neighbourhood while mitigating environmental impacts and adapting to climate change effects such as heat islands and flooding during extreme rainfall events.
