Parks are complex elements of a city. They can serve scores of different uses, some may be specialized in their function, or they may simply provide visual appeal for residents. Whatever functions they serve, they act to define the shape and feel of a city and its neighborhoods. Urban open space has come to mean more than just city parks and tree-lined streets. What makes green spaces so appealing and necessary to tourists and city dwellers alike are benefits like shade, a place to retreat from city noises, space for recreation and wildlife, and a haven from heat, pollution, and stress. Many childhood memories have been made by families in their local park. If you are among the three-quarters of America’s population who live in a metropolitan area, you know urban open space means green, growing things — individual street trees as well as large public parks — that add to the experience of living in a city.

Parks become an even more important element for cities in the developing world where open space is in critically short supply. In these cities, parks are often the only way residents to connect to nature.

With 10 park and garden projects now in its portfolio, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has demonstrated that even in the most challenging contexts, parks can have a positive impact on a city if they are restored and maintained. In several locations, this program of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has demonstrated that, under the right conditions, parks and gardens can also be economic generators that drive – directly and indirectly – a broad advance of positive change.

This change is about to happen in Nairobi City Park, Kenya as it joins AKDN parks already completed in Egypt, Mali, India and Afghanistan. In late 2012, Kenya’s Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, joined His Highness the Aga Khan at the signing of an agreement to rehabilitate Nairobi City Park. The project will create a prototype of urban park rehabilitation in Kenya and restore the City Park so that it complements and enhances the existing environmentally important areas and will become an attraction of great repute. The 60-hectare park, which has suffered over time from encroachment, pollution and other threats, will be rehabilitated over a period of several years. It will include a new restaurant, educational facilities, a botanical garden, an exhibition ground, an open air theatre and sports facilities. The works will also improve the site’s amenities and public safety, as well as provide the necessary infrastructure to maintain the natural and cultural heritage of the park.

“This partnership represents a continued commitment to working with the Government in order to support development for all Kenyans,” said Prince Hussain Aga Khan. “It is an important step towards ensuring that the historical and cultural heritage, as well as the significant biodiversity of Nairobi City Park, is conserved now and for the generations to come.” Considering the park’s small size and location within an urban setting, facing all kinds of pressures, Nairobi City Park is rich in biodiversity with a total of 988 species that have been identified so far. This includes plants, insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

As Earth Day 2013 is being celebrated think about the parks near you, make a visit, help organize a clean-up and celebrate that small piece of nature in your own neighbourhood.

By David Boyer, Environmental head at the Aga Khan Development Network