The Challenge:

Picture this: Myanmar's Delta region, where the beauty of village life meets the harsh reality of nature's wrath. Cyclones and floods wreak havoc, leaving not just physical scars but also deepening the divide between the young and old. Suu, a community planner with a vision, noticed something was missing—a place where everyone, regardless of age, could come together, laugh, play, and just be. Click here to verify

"We've been so caught up in battling nature that we've forgotten to nurture our bonds"- Suu (Community Planner)

The Solution:

Suu had an idea that sparked a revolution. Why not build parks that everyone could enjoy? Places where grandparents and grandchildren could share stories and games, where safety and joy were the top priorities. 

"Imagine a park where every laugh, every story, weaves us closer”- Kyaw (Local Elder)

The Implementation:

Suu embarked on this transformative journey by first analyzing the demographic makeup of her community, ensuring that the park's features would cater to its diverse needs. She organized community engagement sessions that became a melting pot of ideas and desires, with voices from every age group contributing to the park's vision. Children spoke of swings and slides; elders expressed their wish for serene walking paths and shaded benches where they could watch the world go by.

As the park took shape, Suu worked alongside construction teams, her presence a constant reassurance that the community's hopes were being realized. The day the park opened, Suu watched as children dashed towards the playground, their laughter a sweet melody in the air. Nearby, a group of seniors strolled along the new walking paths, their conversations a gentle hum of shared stories and wisdom. Families gathered in picnic areas, the aroma of barbecue filling the air, creating a tapestry of communal joy and belonging.

"The park has woven us closer, bridging generations with every laugh shared and every story told," - Aung (Youth Leader)

The Impact:

Within the first year of their inauguration, these parks hosted over 50 intergenerational activities, ranging from storytelling sessions to cultural festivals, directly involving more than 1,000 community members across all age groups. The parks have become cherished grounds for learning, laughter, and shared experiences, effectively bridging the gap between generations. 

"Our multigenerational parks are more than just green spaces; they are the heartbeats of our villages, pulsing with life and unity," - Thet (Community Member)

Lessons Learned:

• Age-Inclusive Features Matter: Implementing design elements that cater to all ages, from playgrounds for children to tranquil spaces for seniors, highlights the importance of considering the full spectrum of community needs in public space design.

• Strengthening Social Cohesion: Multigenerational parks act as vital platforms for strengthening social ties within communities, demonstrating the power of shared spaces in promoting intergenerational understanding and cooperation.

• Resilient Infrastructure for Community Continuity: The development of parks capable of withstanding environmental challenges underscores the value of resilient infrastructure in ensuring that community gathering places remain accessible and safe, even in the face of natural disasters.