Stappelbäddsparken, Mälmo, Sweden
During our trip, I was fascinated by the lack of boundaries (e.g., fences, guardrails) surrounding active public spaces, such as skateparks, climbing walls, and even the waterfront, where I normally would expect them to be present. I also observed a general sense of self-monitoring and responsibility - that it was understood that these public spaces belonged to the community and therefore, they were responsible for maintaining the environment that they enjoyed. Stappelbäddsparken was built by a local brewery and the city of Mälmo and has been open year-round, 24/7, since 2006. There are no operating times, no entrance fees, and no patrolling officers to ‘maintain the peace’ and ‘ensure a safe environment’. These aspects help to create an environment that is open and welcoming. Pubic activity seamlessly becomes an accessible attraction, drawing the local community and visitors together.
This space was built and operated by the city of San Diego and is open to the public. There are daily operating hours, and there is a laundry list of rules on their website if you wish to use the park (http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/robbskate.shtml). I think one of the most noticeable features is how spectators (usually parents, and rarely passersby) must sit behind a fence to watch the activities. I understand that these measures are here to ensure the safety of the people as well as to protect the integrity of the park, but it gives a closed and uninviting feeling to this public space. It also literally cuts off the dynamics of the skatepark from the surroundings, removing opportunities for people to just stop by and watch or even to join in. Given the convoluted tort laws that exist here, I wonder if it would be possible to create a public space on the waterfront with a sense of “no boundaries” in order to capture an open and inviting feeling that allow participants and spectators, locals and visitors, to interact.
-Kris
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