Day 3690: Parks and toys.

 

   

"Conflicted": junk mail collage

Want music?

Click here: John Barry, Out of Africa

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

 

 

 

2GN2S ...

Hong Kong's colorful new 'pocket parks' are revitalizing public spaces

Design Trust, a non-profit that supports design-based programs, is giving parks like Portland Street Rest Garden a new look.

Bright pink and scattered with octagonal stools, Portland Street Rest Garden is an Instagrammer's dream. But this park, wedged between two high rises on a bustling Hong Kong street, isn't filled with influencers posing for photos: instead, local retirees play checkers on fuchsia gameboards, while elderly neighbors gossip on the rose-colored benches, purple grass swaying in the planters behind.

While 75% of Hong Kong's territory, which includes more than 200 islands, is made up of lush jungle and country parks, urban Hong Kong is short on space. Its residents have just 2.7 square meters (29.1 square feet) of public space per person, according to non-profit think tank Civic Exchange — compared to 5.8 to 7.6 square meters (62.4 to 81.8 square foot) per person in other dense Asian metropolises like Singapore, Tokyo, and Shanghai. There's a correlation between access to nature and good mental health, with people living closer to public open spaces reporting less anxiety than those living further away.

 

The organization, has been redesigning four of the city's micro parks in a bid to make a "macro transformation" to public space, said Marisa Yiu, co-founder and executive director of Design Trust.

 

The team behind Yi Pei Square, at the park. From left to right: Kay Chan, Stephen Ip, Jonathan Mak, Christopher Choi, and Design Trust founder Marisa Yiu.

  

The design for Portland Street Rest Garden is now divided in two, showcasing the old, restored style and the new, modern pink design.

Yi Pei Square has space for children to play, as well as an exercise zone for elderly people and areas to socialize and gather.

  

Home to historic buildings and temples, the area has many "sifu," or master craftspeople, whose businesses have survived generations. Design Trust commissioned them to produce elements of the park, such as copper lighting fixtures, as well as signage made from the distinctive chopping boards seen at butchers around the city. "It gives an opportunity to the designers, but it also (sparks) neighborhood transformation."

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.

She hopes that these prototype pocket parks will inspire cities to think more creatively about the design of public spaces and step away from the "cookie cutter formula." "We don't want 20,000 pink parks," Yiu said. "Design Trust is really looking at Hong Kong's heritage, the challenges of a park's context, but also health and well-being, and sustainable futures. Each park has a way to engage differently. It's a cultural responsibility for everyone to be involved."

Childhood and other toys ... 

 

Every year the Strong National Museum of Play inducts new items into the National Toy Hall of Fame. Bingo and Masters of The Universe are among the finalists for this year, including Breyer Horses, He-Man figurines, NERF toys, Pound Puppies and the Piñata. "By inducting toys every year, it allows us to start a bigger conversation about the important role of toys in our childhoods and culture," Shane Rhinewald, senior director of public relations at the museum said, "Play is universal, and everyone has fond memories of their favorite toys. They're a part of our shared history."

I thought about this and wondered? What about those who didn't have store-bought toys? But then I gave in, kids are resourceful and will use pots and pans, found items or whatever to be their toys and probably enjoy them longer? When WW was little (2-3, I think) I found a zippered saleman's sample valise. It was baby blue (?) about 9x12" and had a few plastic sheets of see-through different-sized pockets on each, that were empty. I filled the pockets with safe toys, papers etc. She would take things out, try them in other pockets, rearrange. It was one of her favorite toys for years.

Off the subject, but relevant ... Grandhunk #2 rescued a kitten, Moolah. 

"Moolah"

He wanted toys for her, and Petco was glad to oblige.  I suggested a paper grocery bag. His reaction was reserved. I explained that a bag on the floor with a few holes would give Moolah and the Grandhunks fun?

 

 

 

 

A 1+minute video, duck dance, here.

 

Just because ...

 

Japanese Green Pheasant

 

Smiles for Monday ...

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

                             Thanks for coming by today