Deck Park

Pattern Scale: Neighborhood

Description of the Pattern:

The Federal Highway Aid Act of 1956 enacted in the United States generated a boom of massive highways dividing cities nationwide. To connect these split neighborhoods, deck parks are being built across the country. Deck parks are constructed over these interstates, forcing highways beneath the ground and a united green space takes its place above ground.

One of the more wellknown "deck parks" is Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, which added 322 trees to the city, most of which are native species, within its 5.2- acre boundary. The park plans to extend connectivity to other parts of the city through the addition of a pavilion with multi-use capabilities. Another example is the Greenway in Boston that sits atop the “big dig” and reconnects some of city’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, and the city itself with the Boston waterfront.

With the continued success of deck parks, developers and city officials may be encouraged to think more about environmental economics beyond deck parks due to the boom in revenue generated for the city through recreation and access to outdoor space. Deck parks exemplify a case of positive interdisciplinary change for a community. The repurposing of space over a highway in primarily low-income and marginalized communities tackle issues such as environmental and noise pollution. Access to deck parks increases the likelihood of interaction with nature, celebrating cultural and art events, and promotes participation in recreational sports and physical activity.

More about this pattern:

Martha Moore. 2018. “More Cities Are Banishing Highways Underground — And Building Parks on Top.” Pew Charitable Trusts.
Klyde Warren Park
The Greenway

Who Submitted this Pattern:  Rachael Miller