The URWAN – Urban Regenerative Water Avant-gardeN project is bringing an innovative initiative to Portugal: Start Park, a participatory process that involves students, teachers, parents, and the wider community in co-creating green spaces resilient to climate change.
But what is Start Park? Start Park is a collaborative co-design model that transforms urban areas into parks capable of addressing climate challenges such as droughts, floods, and heat islands.
Through creative methodologies and gamified tools, participants learn about Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and contribute to designing spaces that integrate sustainable water management, biodiversity, and social well-being.
In Cuba, Portugal, the pilot activities are centered on the outdoor grounds of the Cuba School Cluster, turning this important space into a living laboratory for climate adaptation. The goal is to reimagine the schoolyard as a multifunctional green-blue infrastructure that supports learning, recreation, and resilience.
Following a set of preparatory works and meetings with the school board and the municipality, the process began at the Cuba School Cluster, a key partner in engaging the educational community:
• September 2, 2025: Initial session with teachers and school leadership to present Start Park’s objectives and the school’s role in the URWAN project.
• October 28, 2025: Kick-off session with students, featuring interactive activities to spark interest, sensitise about climate change and prepare for the next phases.
These sessions marked the start of a journey that will unfold throughout the academic year, including co-design workshops, educational games, and prototyping activities.
In the coming months, the following steps will take place: Participatory workshops to design green and blue solutions within the school grounds; Community engagement sessions to integrate ideas from parents and local citizens; Prototyping park elements, including rainwater management features and multifunctional green areas.
The goal is to complete the process by the end of the current school year, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge and a concrete plan for a more sustainable and climate-resilient school environment.
Climate adaptation is a collective challenge. By engaging children, youth, and families, Start Park promotes environmental education, citizen participation, and social ownership of solutions, ensuring they meet local needs and create value for all.
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- Start Park: Engaging Cuba’s School Community
