Interactive environmental elements, the pleasure of playful learning, and a close relationship to nature are key at 4A Sports Park. Conventional ideas about urban landscapes are challenged with the action-packed design for this sports park in the city of Tianjin in China.

The shared goal is a coordinated ­array of cross-district and multi-functional play and exercise spaces. The key factor is the interdisciplinary approach of the specialist planning groups and the involvement of all stakeholders. A total of 20 potential sites have been selected over the period from 2019 until 2028.

PLAT ASIA was commissioned to redevelop an urban square, SHIJIE, in Ordos, China, into an all-people-friendly smart sports park to meet the need for a healthy lifestyle. The site layout reflects the multi-faceted Ordos landscape with desert, steppe and river. The lighting, shading and navigation systems are controlled with smart technology.

Designed by CONVIC as an extension to the existing iconic Pizzey Skatepark on the Gold Coast, the park has been developed to be able to host major competitions and events and allow for Olympic level training with large expanses of space for temporary grandstands and judging.

Situated on the east boundary of Rogers’ historic downtown district, the new park ­designed by Ross Barney Architects has the potential to capitalize on recent public space investments and help to make downtown Rogers a regional destination.

Rainbow Park is downtown Vancouver’s first new park in over ten years, and a vibrant and inclusive gift to its residents. The design by DIALOG exemplifies inclusive and creative en­gagement tactics by an interdisciplinary design team. Bringing green space to the city centre, it provides a place to gather, engage in social activities, enjoy an on-site café, and take in one’s environs from the pedestrian bridge.

The play and exercise area in the green corridor offers visitors a variety of intergenera­tional and barrier-free activities. Climbing frames, swings, sand areas and even a fountain have been integrated into the park structure over a distance of about 1.5 kilometres.

Occupying one of the city’s flooded preservation areas, the Rachel de Queiroz Park project in Fortaleza, Brazil, turned a ­formerly degraded area into a bustling, lively, pulsating public space. Walking, running, outdoor gym, biking, soccer and volleyball are just some of the options available.