3. Objectives • Convert the currently idle land into a multi-functional community space. • Provide safe and shaded public seating, small garden areas, and recreational space. • Enhance local urban biodiversity and air quality through green landscaping. • Ensure the park is barrier-free and inclusive for children, elderly, and persons with disabilities. • Promote community engagement in maintenance and shared ownership 4. Proposed Interventions A. Landscape and Green Design • Develop landscaped zones with native and drought-resistant trees, flowering plants, and ornamental shrubs. • Include an edible garden corner with herbs or fruit-bearing trees for educational and ecological value. • Install paved walkways with ramps and handrails to ensure accessibility. B. Community Amenities • Install shaded seating areas (pergolas or tree canopy) for people to relax, especially in summer months. • Provision of drinking water and a small handwashing/water point. • Placement of waste bins and a basic composting unit to manage organic waste from the garden. C. Recreational and Social Spaces • Small open space for yoga, storytelling, reading, or small group activities. • A community notice board or mural wall to display local events or children’s art. • Consider a pocket amphitheater or stage for local performances, seasonal celebrations, or weekend storytelling. D. Safety and Visibility • Install solar-powered lights to ensure visibility during the evening. • Use low fencing or boundary planters to clearly define the park area and prevent future encroachment. E. Governance and Engagement • Community Task Force to conduct ownership verification and work with BBMP for official status. • Once verified, initiate a participatory design process involving local residents, RWAs, and children. • Form a local stewardship committee for park upkeep and activity planning. 5. Expected Outcomes • Creation of a safe, inclusive, and ecologically beneficial public space in HSR Layout. • Improved community well-being, walkability, and social cohesion. • Increased awareness and appreciation for public green spaces among residents. • Enhanced climate resilience through green infrastructure and passive cooling. ESAF’s Involvement ESAF can take the lead in preparing a comprehensive proposal and design templates for the implementation of the project. Additionally, we are committed to supporting a range of community engagement activities to activate and sustain the public space. 6. Conclusion Transforming the currently unutilized land near Hosapalaya Junction into a neighborhood pocket park represents an opportunity to reclaim public space for the benefit of the entire community. With verification of BBMP ownership and active involvement of the Community Task Force, this space can become a model micro-park demonstrating the power of local action, low-cost interventions, and inclusive planning in shaping a livable city.