Justnature participated in its sister project Varcities - Green Cities are Healthier Cities, with its stand at the Pop-up Parks in Gzira. Through these events, urban parking spaces were transformed into vibrant, green “parks” for the benefit of citizens. Native plant species such as olive trees, shrubs, succulents, and smaller flowering and climbing plants were used to decorate these reinvented public spaces. Custom-made wooden outdoor furniture was designed and constructed by the architect Tom Van Malderen and donated to Gzira Primary School at the end of the events to be used for outdoor learning. The set-up, and running of the activities were done by the UM VARCITIES team.
The pop-up parks took place at three different locations in Rue D'Argens Street in Gzira over the winter. The first was the Pop-up Science Park, followed by the Pop-up Music Park, while the final event, the Pop-up Art Park, was held in January 2023.Some fantastic collaborators were invited for these events, including; JUSTNature (EU Project), ESA (Earth Systems Association), Walk & Talk, ACT - Malta, BirdLife Malta, Blooming Minds, Magna Żmien, catering by the Afro Deli and Migrant Women Association Malta, the music band JAM C and finally an audio-visual art installation by Late Interactive.
These events highlighted pressing issues for locals in Gzira, such as “How cities in Malta have changed over the last years,” “How science can help us achieve implementation of nature-based solutions,” and “Artistic expression of both discontent and desire for change towards a more pleasant environment for life.” We explored these questions through hands-on events for all age groups, cultural backgrounds and interests. Planting, decoration, painting, and science workshops, fun activities for kids, local community film projecting, and a group urban walk and discussion in the vicinity were carried out. We have to admit that our events had a community spirit!
Varcities team managed to talk to the many visitors, who shared the same values and came to support the idea of urban greenery and showed excitement at the prospect of a greener future for Gzira. Overall Varcities team was reciprocally inspired by new ideas. The events were carried out with the support of Gzira Primary School and Gzira Local Council.
To see the photos of these events click here: https://varcities.eu/popup-parks-in-gzira/