The importance of green spaces for the future of livable cities
EXCLUSIVE: By Mona Althagafi, Saudi Arabia Country Director, Serco Middle East
As urbanisation continues to accelerate globally, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it is increasingly critical to ensure that cities remain healthy, pleasant, and sustainable places for citizens, residents, and visitors. Saudi Arabia has the ambition and capabilities to develop livable cities to set a blueprint for the rest of the world.
Riyadh is embracing this approach and bringing to life the broader Vision 2030 through ambitious projects like King Salman Park. As a key component of Vision 2030, King Salman Park, a green oasis of more than 13km² in the heart of Riyadh’s urban centre, is poised to become a benchmark for future urban green spaces.
King Salman Park is set to benefit individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Billed as the world’s largest urban park, this ambitious project exemplifies how thoughtful planning and innovative management can create a multi-functional green space catering to the population’s diverse needs while promoting sustainability.
King Salman Park will offer recreation, relaxation, and social interaction spaces as a sanctuary from the urban hustle. Regular access to this green oasis has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved mental health, and increased physical activity, all contributing to a healthier and more relaxed population. This reassuringly reassures us of the positive impact of such initiatives.
Moreover, such environments promote social cohesion by providing communal areas where residents can gather, fostering a sense of community. Suggesting that they contribute to a better future for all is not controversial.
Green spaces, like King Salman Park, are beneficial not only for individuals but also for cities. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban areas, making them more attractive places to live and work.
Parks’ crucial role
This can boost property values and attract tourists, contributing significantly to the local economy. Additionally, parks can play a crucial role in urban planning by breaking up a ‘concrete jungle’ with natural landscapes, paving the way for a more prosperous future. This economic boost is a promising sign for the future of Riyadh’s economy, making us all feel optimistic about the city’s growth and development.
Environmentally, green spaces serve as a city’s lungs. Vegetation in parks helps manage urban water runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. Biodiverse green areas support local wildlife, promoting biodiversity within urban settings. Importantly, parks like King Salman Park can serve as carbon sinks, contributing to mitigating climate change impacts.
However, as with all developments, there must be considerations in their planning, construction, and maintenance to ensure they function and thrive to their full potential. Some lessons can be taken from successful green spaces globally, such as New York’s Central Park, London’s Hyde Park, and the renowned parks in Melbourne, Australia, which are best practice examples of managing an urban green site.
Other considerations are unique to Saudi Arabia and must be tackled anew. An example of this is the horticultural considerations for the King Salman Park project – ensuring that the right plants are used that are suitable for a project of this scale and appropriate for the Saudi climate, contributing to a sustainable future environment. Considerations such as these require the extensive knowledge and global experience of the private sector working alongside the government’s capabilities.
Private sector role
The successful creation and management of King Salman Park highlight the importance of involving the private sector. Our international experience managing large-scale projects such as Melbourne Parks has provided us with vast knowledge regarding everything from aesthetics—including landscaping and seed planting—to infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.
This level of experience covers operations, visitor services, customer experience, and environmental management, ensuring that all aspects of the park are managed efficiently and sustainably.
By leveraging private sector capabilities and building on their expertise, public entities can benefit from advanced technologies, best practices, and innovative solutions that enhance urban parks’ overall quality and sustainability.
Upskilling Saudi nationals
With the introduction of spaces like King Salman Park, there is a strong need to build local expertise in managing large green spaces in Riyadh, whether in horticulture or sustainability-focused roles.
Creating such ‘green’ roles for now and future generations presents a significant opportunity for Saudi nationals to be trained and employed. International experts can support this by facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building, ensuring local teams have the skills to maintain and enhance King Salman Park.
Embracing technological innovations
Whilst the aim is for King Salman Park to be a holistic space, providing an oasis of calm in a bustling city, technology, from IoT and beyond, still plays a crucial role in modern park management. Technological innovations can be used to monitor vegetation growth and plant health, especially in the Middle East region’s climate. From intelligent irrigation systems that reduce water waste to energy-efficient lighting that minimises environmental impact, embracing technology is essential.
Focusing on user experience
Creating an exceptional user experience is essential. This involves thoughtful design that considers accessibility, safety, and the diverse needs of visitors. For example, how will visitors get to the park?
A micro-mobility programme should be considered for travel to and within the park, embracing sustainable and user-friendly forms of transport. The answer could lie in autonomous vehicles, electric bikes, or even more innovative solutions. The pathways must be well-marked and accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
Amenities like seating, restrooms, and refreshment areas should be conveniently located. Additionally, providing spaces for various activities – from quiet contemplation to active sports – ensures that the park meets all visitors’ needs, as Riyadh increasingly plays a role on the world stage.
Leveraging space data
One highly technical approach to park management is the use of space data. Satellite imagery can provide critical insights into plant health, soil moisture levels, and areas underperforming vegetation.
This data-driven approach allows for better irrigation management, ensuring water resources are used optimally and sustainably. By monitoring these factors, maintenance teams can address issues proactively, enhancing the park’s resilience and sustainability.
Developing green spaces like King Salman Park is crucial for the future of livable cities. Collaboration between public entities and the private sector will be vital in achieving this vision and providing significant benefits to individuals, cities, and the environment.
By adopting best practices in park management, leveraging technology, and fostering local expertise, Riyadh can create a world-class urban park that attracts residents and tourists and serves as a model for others.
Featured image: Parks must be able to meet visitors’ needs. Credit: Serco Middle East
Mona Althagafi, Saudi Arabia Country Director, Serco Middle East, facilitates and enables Serco’s growth in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East region. She is primarily responsible for the performance and results of various contracts in Saudi Arabia and for leading large and diverse teams across multiple sites. Mona has held the position for almost four years and brings over 20 years of local experience working in Saudi Arabia to her role.
Follow Mona Althagafi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monathg/
Last Updated on 6 months by News Desk 2
