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Public Spaces for Recovery and Inclusivity: Mosul’s Al Yarmouk Park 

Mosul, Iraq

2019 - 2021
Disabled PeoplePublic SpacesWar-torn Cities
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Project Description

Approach Words: Inclusive City, Sustainability, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Communicative, Physical Intervention, Planning

Al Yarmouk Park is located in the heart of Mosul, Iraq spanning an area of 0.067square Kilometers1. The rehabilitation of Al Yarmouk Park as a multi-purpose public space2 was part of the area-based integrated project under the UNDP program supporting recovery and stability in Iraq through local development3. The goal of the project was to restore essential services in the public space that was disrupted by war and conflict4. The park was designed to be ‘Accessible for All’ ensuring that it is suitable for the use of all age groups, as well as for the comfort and safety of people with disabilities. It is also part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda for the year 2030 for “leaving no one behind”5. The design of the park encourages the concept of “building back better” in adopting clean technologies, recycling, and the use of local materials.

Title: Part of Al-Yarmouk Youth Athletics for Peace.

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Title: Part of Al-Yarmouk youth Athletics for Peace.

Source: Click Here

Title: Part of Al-Yarmouk Youth Athletics for Peace.

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Title: Sports Court.

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The rehabilitation project transformed Al Yarmouk Park to serve as the hub for a wide range of public activities, including environmental campaigns, cultural events, as well as recreation and sports activities6. A series of components were implemented to ensure this transformation, including plantation and irrigation, solar energy projects, skills and training program, and development of a children’s playground7. The plantation activity introduced 300 new trees to the site, including 40 fruit trees and 60 palm trees8. Plants were specifically chosen based on their ability to absorb excess rainwater9. 800 square meters of grass cover was also installed, along with 2 wells and a solar powered irrigation system to sustain the plantation10. Other facilities that were implemented include 3 multi-purpose sports courts, an open-air gym, guard rooms, and a cycling route11.

Owner/Developer (Public)

Mosul Municipality21

Owner/Developer

Engineering Association For development and Environment22

Consultant/Designer

UN-Habitat23

Funder

European Union24

Contractor/Implementer

UNDP25

UN-Habitat26

Owner/Developer (Public)

Mosul Municipality21

Owner/Developer

Engineering Association For development and Environment22

Contractor/Implementer

UNDP25

UN-Habitat26

Funder

European Union24

Consultant/Designer

UN-Habitat23

To support local livelihood generation, a female-only horticultural training program was held with 30 candidates, which helped create jobs for women with no fixed income12. Other components of the park also facilitated local economic development, with 236 jobs for unemployed residents of the area, 10 of whom were women13.

Other community building initiatives included the “Al-Yarmouk Youth Athletics for Peace”, where 200 children from the neighborhood participated in football league championship, basketball and many more other sports14. These kinds of activities served as tools to strengthen the social networks and connections between the community and give the youth sense of belonging and relief15. The ‘Al Yarmouk Cleaning Day’, a joint initiative of Mosul municipality, UN-Habitat, and Su’ad Mosuliya, invited workers and volunteers to engage directly in the rehabilitation process16.

The project was launched in 201917 by the United National Development Program in partnership with UN-Habitat and Mosul Municipality. With a cost of USD 2 million18, the project is funded by the European Union19 as part its Local Area Development Program20.

Project Link, Endnotes and References

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