Summary

In order to develop the design of my park, I had to do some research. Using books and online architecture archives, I learned about ways to make my pocket park as environmentally friendly as I could. The research resulted in mostly ideas for materials but it also helped in terms of what components are necessary for a ecologically-conscious design. For example, the planters I use in the garden should be square as opposed to any other shape so the water can circulate correctly and efficiently. Another tip I learned involved something as simple as the type of grass I should be using. Zoysia Tenuifolia is a smart grass alternative. It is a species that has many benefits, including its resistance to high heat and frigid temperatures. It is also durable enough for constant exposure to being walked on. Simple ideas and suggestions that I continually picked up on helped aid the initial designs of my pocket park. I decided that since there was going to be a community garden, I should find a way to use the food that would be grown. There will be a mini-market built to sell all of the produce. The money can be used to give back to the community in regards to building more environmentally friendly locations around Bayonne.
A common problem that many people encounter when trying to live healthily is the winter season. Often produce is not in season due to the climate so healthy diets start to slip away. To resolve this issue, I have designed a greenhouse. This will encourage the community to continue their lifestyle even in the winter months. A restroom will be on the premises for convenience. There will be a compost bin for our produce scraps, ensuring we use a natural fertilizer for the crops. Many aspects have come into play when designing this park and with further research, it will only evolve into a better designed park.