Hong Kong’s colorful new ‘pocket parks’ are revitalizing public spaces

Rebecca Cairns, CNN | Dan Hodge, Lauren Lau
6 minute read
Updated 9:58 AM EDT, Mon September 19, 2022
In Hong Kong, four "micro parks" are getting a makeover. Design Trust, a non-profit that supports design-based programs, is giving parks like Portland Street Rest Garden (pictured) a new look. <strong>Scroll through the gallery to see how it is giving a new lease of life to this park, and others.</strong>
In Hong Kong, four "micro parks" are getting a makeover. Design Trust, a non-profit that supports design-based programs, is giving parks like Portland Street Rest Garden (pictured) a new look. Scroll through the gallery to see how it is giving a new lease of life to this park, and others.
Design Trust
The designers decided to split the Portland Street park in two: one side is bright pink, while the other is restored to look like a typical Hong Kong rest garden from the 1980s, complete with hexagonal geometry, bamboo and shaded seating areas.
The designers decided to split the Portland Street park in two: one side is bright pink, while the other is restored to look like a typical Hong Kong rest garden from the 1980s, complete with hexagonal geometry, bamboo and shaded seating areas.
Design Trust
The moveable stools and rose-colored terrazzo benches (pictured) have helped increase the park's seating capacity from 16 to 81.
The moveable stools and rose-colored terrazzo benches (pictured) have helped increase the park's seating capacity from 16 to 81.
Design Trust
The park is predominantly used by elderly men, and Chinese chess ("Xiangqi") is a popular pastime. The boards are currently being updated to include grooves to make them more tactile, says Marisa Yiu, co-founder and executive director of Design Trust.
The park is predominantly used by elderly men, and Chinese chess ("Xiangqi") is a popular pastime. The boards are currently being updated to include grooves to make them more tactile, says Marisa Yiu, co-founder and executive director of Design Trust.
Design Trust
The team added three trees and increased the greenery in the park by 26%. They added new plants, including purple fountain grass (pictured) which adds movement and color to the flower beds.
The team added three trees and increased the greenery in the park by 26%. They added new plants, including purple fountain grass (pictured) which adds movement and color to the flower beds.
Dan Hodge / CNN
The designers also created customized recycling bins, as well as a water bottle refill station, to promote sustainability.
The designers also created customized recycling bins, as well as a water bottle refill station, to promote sustainability.
Design Trust
Yi Pei Square, the first park to be renovated for the project, opened in April 2021. The 930-square-meter (10,010-square-foot) courtyard was transformed from a concrete footpath into a vibrant "communal living room" for the surrounding blocks of flats.
Yi Pei Square, the first park to be renovated for the project, opened in April 2021. The 930-square-meter (10,010-square-foot) courtyard was transformed from a concrete footpath into a vibrant "communal living room" for the surrounding blocks of flats.
Design Trust
The park includes play areas for children, exercise zones for the elderly, and benches for families and friends to socialize.
The park includes play areas for children, exercise zones for the elderly, and benches for families and friends to socialize.
Design Trust
The designers conducted feedback sessions with people who live around the park. Local children got involved too, suggesting games to be printed on the ground as well as the shape and size of playground structures.
The designers conducted feedback sessions with people who live around the park. Local children got involved too, suggesting games to be printed on the ground as well as the shape and size of playground structures.
Design Trust
A third park, currently under construction, is a corner plot on Hamilton Street in Yau Ma Tei. It pays tribute to the area's long tradition of craftsmanship, and the designers commissioned work from local shops, such as this sign made from a chopping board.
A third park, currently under construction, is a corner plot on Hamilton Street in Yau Ma Tei. It pays tribute to the area's long tradition of craftsmanship, and the designers commissioned work from local shops, such as this sign made from a chopping board.
Dan Hodge / CNN
Man Kee Chopping Board, which created the park signage, has been based in Yau Ma Tei since 1955. The chopping boards are typically seen in butcher shops around the city.
Man Kee Chopping Board, which created the park signage, has been based in Yau Ma Tei since 1955. The chopping boards are typically seen in butcher shops around the city.
Dan Hodge / CNN
Mark Au, pictured, is the grandson of the store's founder, Man Au. Mark grew up in Yau Ma Tei and says the community talks more now about the importance of heritage, and tries to celebrate it. He feels that by commissioning the work of local craftsmen, the Hamilton Street Park pays tribute to that.
Mark Au, pictured, is the grandson of the store's founder, Man Au. Mark grew up in Yau Ma Tei and says the community talks more now about the importance of heritage, and tries to celebrate it. He feels that by commissioning the work of local craftsmen, the Hamilton Street Park pays tribute to that.
Dan Hodge / CNN
These colorful 'pocket parks' are revitalizing public space