Saint Trinity Park, Burgas

Area characterisation: 

Burgas Municipality is the largest municipality located in southeastern Bulgaria with a territory of  514,362 hectares, representing 0.43% of the country. The municipality is bordered to the east by the Black Sea, to the north - Pomorie Municipality, west - Kameno Municipality and south - Municipality of Sozopol. The Eastern boundary is a prerequisite for the development of port work, fishing, tourism, foreign trade, for concentration of productions and industries that rely on imported materials. Surrounded by three firth lakes - Burgas, Mandra and Atanasovsko and with a width of 10-12.5 km and a water depth of 10-12 m, Burgas bay forms the most extensive part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coastline. The availability of natural resources such as nature reserves, protected areas and natural attractions determine the wide biodiversity in the municipality, which is an important factor and condition for development of tourism and other economic and non-profit activities, stimulating small and medium business and development of the labor market. Due to favorable natural and economic conditions, a significant part of the population and economic potentials are concentrated in Burgas Municipality.

The geographical location of the city greatly influences its development. The Black Sea and the three large lakes on the territory of the city form the Burgas wetlands and logically place the protection of the environment and the development of the green system of the city and the implementation of the NbS among the development priorities. The city of Burgas has a large number and different in size parks and green spaces. Over the years, the administration managed to renovate all major parks in the city, providing safe conditions for recreation, play, entertainment, sports etc. for visitors. Under the pressure of the citizens of Burgas, the local administration pays more and more attention to the green spaces and the implementation of green solutions in the urban environment.

Slideshow:

Objective: 

The development and maintenance of the green system on the territory of the municipality of Burgas is a main task and priority of the local administration. Over the years, most of the main green areas in the city have been renovated, incl. the sea garden, parks in the residential complexes, under construction is a new recreation area connecting the sea garden with Sarafovo residential area.

Along with the reconstruction and improvement of the park spaces, Burgas Municipality is actively working on the maintenance of the urban green system. Periodic inventory of plant species is carried out, and if necessary, old trees, which were found to be unsuitable for the urban environment are replaced with new species.

At the moment, Saint Trinity Park is the only larger park area in the city that is neglected and unable to perform its functions.

With the support of the Connecting Nature project, Burgas Municipality wants to restore the "shine" of the park and during the process (from planning to implementation) the developed Connecting nature framework will be used.

Actions: 

The analysis of the condition of the territory and the existing technical infrastructure determines the prerequisites for future upgrading and development of the area.

Field characteristics. The relief configuration of the park is flat, with a small displacement on the east side of the park, connection with Struga Blvd., which makes it suitable for the development of different function areas related to passive recreation, entertainment and social contacts. Most of the terrains are not leveled, which hinders their quality maintenance and are full of self-settled wood and shrub vegetation, household and organic waste, which requires gradual steps to make them look good and safe for residents, which at the same time will improve the conditions and facilitate their maintenance.

Alley network. The existing alley network is poorly developed and consists of:

• Main ground pedestrian approach to the Horseman monument from the intersection of Stefan Stambolov Blvd. and Lazar Madjarov Str.;

• Quick access to the public transport stop and University hospital Burgas, through an underpass on Stefan Stambolov Blvd .;

• Pedestrian access to Church "St. Trinity ";

• Natural pedestrian alleys, established over time and paved by people.

The existing alley network is currently depreciated, which hinders access and attendance. With the exception of the alleys in the northern part of the park, which are used for connection between the residential area Slaveykov and the bus stop on Stefan Stambolov Blvd., the alley network is chaotic, without clear connections and accents.

Existing vegetation. The existing large-sized tree vegetation is over 40 years old. The predominant existing vegetation is represented mainly by deciduous species: Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer campestre, Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus ornus, Robinia pseudoacacia, Sophora japonica, Tilia sp., Platanus orientalis, Ulmus sp., Celtis australis, Quercus rubra, Sorbus torminalis, Sorbus aucuparia, Catalpa sp., Aesculus hippocastanum, Betula pendula, Cercis siliquastrum, etc. Of the coniferous trees predominate Cupressus sempervirens, Thuja orientalis, Cedrus sp., Taxus baccata, Picea abies, Picea pungens, Abies sp., Juniperus virginiana and others.

The following negative trends have been observed in the last few decades:

• lack of systematic care, turning green areas into those with overgrown vegetation, unattractive to use and practically unusable;

• lack of measures regarding the overall development of the park, as well as planning and synchronization in the maintenance of green areas;

• Lack of variability and innovative solutions in the planning and implementation of specific measures for landscaping of the park, due to the outflow of specialists specialized in the development of green infrastructure in general;

• depreciated recreation infrastructure with a clear need for constant commitment to its maintenance and renovation;

• Lack of a comprehensive digital information base, including geo-based, for green areas, their elements and their characteristics, which would provide correct, complete and with the ability to filter, analyze and update information for professional and public use;

• reduction of the volume of the types of works necessary for the maintenance of the green areas, due to lack of financial resources;

• Insufficient resources and inconsistency of efforts, which leads to unsatisfactory general condition of green infrastructure, which reflects on the other elements of the development of the urban environment.

DIAGNOSIS. MAIN PROBLEMS

Despite its central location between large residential complexes, the park is not well integrated into the urban landscape and does not serve as an area for daily recreation and entertainment. To some extent, this is due to the gloomy heritage of the park known by its nickname "Old Cemetery", but to a greater extent the problem is rooted in the outdated park development plan, poor maintenance and poor connections of the park with the residential areas around it. Restricters for the development of the park in the urban sense are the busy city boulevards and railways, the line that frames the park and makes it difficult for citizens to access. The lack of suitable "anchors" in the park further aggravates its socialization with residents and guests of the city.

After the detailed research and analysis of the territory, the main problems of the park stand out, which should be addressed with the present development:

  • Bad reputation in the territory
  • Weak connection with the residential areas located north and east of the park (Zornitsa and Bratya Miladinovi)
  • Deteriorated condition of the existing park infrastructure - depreciated and not well developed alley network, depreciated park furniture, poor condition of the landscaped terrains, grass, bush and tree vegetation.
  • Lack of attractive architectural and landscape environment to attract and retain visitors to the park
  • Poor provision with technical infrastructure - lack of irrigation system for maintenance of green areas and site sewerage for sewage, compromised park lighting and insufficient power of the existing electricity supply

At the same time, regardless of the current state of the park, it is visited daily by residents of surrounding residential neighborhoods of all ages, which is proof that the location of the park favors the creation and maintenance of high quality park environment and achieving sustainable functional connection of the natural and planned elements of the green system, so that the functioning of the green infrastructure provides multifaceted benefits for people and continuously improves the quality of life, while preserving and developing the benefits of the existing environment.

Along with the general zoning, the exampler needs to offer a solution to the engineering infrastructure of the territory as a whole. It is important to solve and categorize the main approaches and alley routes that form the backbone of the park composition. Measures should be provided to attract visitors by providing opportunities for recreation and enetertainment of different social groups - children and young people, mothers with young children, the elderly and disadvantaged people. To effectively cover the entire range of functions, with even structuring and loading of the areas for passive and active recreation in the park.

FORECAST FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE INTERVENTION

 After analyzing the main problems of the developed area and making diagnosis, the improvement of the physical environment stands out as a main priority for future development of the park. The project intervention should justify measures that will increase the perception of the comfort of living in the park space, increase attendance and increase the importance of the park for local citizens and guests of the city, for social and cultural life, to improve the image of the park and its transformation into an attractive area for different age groups.

Specific objectives to be achieved:

• Creation of shared public spaces and implementation of innovative solutions to improve the physical environment of the park.

• Creating conditions for the integration of disadvantaged groups

• Preserve and enrich the biodiversity in the park;

• Increasing the safety and security of the park environment;

• Creating a renewed urban environment by introducing innovative "Smart City" solutions;

• Digitization of the information about the reconstructed territory and its publication in the existing integrated intelligent systems of the municipality of Burgas (GIS Burgas, Smart Burgas, VR Burgas and others) for use by experts and citizens, through provided public access. Digital marketing, as an innovative approach, would strengthen the public interest in the territory and the new social functions in the areas of intervention.

Step 3: Feed understanding into design, delivery, and stewardship.

The concept for renovation of Saint Trinity Park is developed by municipal specialists with the necessary qualifications and experience. This approach was chosen because the park is municipal property and the local administration has all the information about the site, incl. condition of the infrastructure, underground communications, assessment of the health of the vegetation, as well as deep knowledge of the problems of the area due to the maintenance it provides over the years, as well as the signals and complaints received from citizens about the unsatisfactory condition of the park.

The concept for development of the area is based not only on its social functions, but also environmental and economic requirements. Of vital importance is the requirement that the reconstruction and improvement of space must be performed in a way that not only to preserves but also enriches biodiversity. Another basic principle that is advocated is the economic viability of the site, providing an opportunity for the site to generate revenue to support subsequent maintenance.

The park is included in the Plan for integrated development of the city of Burgas for the period 2021-2027. This is the main strategic document for the development of Burgas Municipality in the next 7 years. The sites and project included in it will be financed under the European Regional Development Fund, through the Regional Development Program 2021-2027, financial instruments and own funds of Burgas Municipality.

Step 4: Iterative monitoring and evaluation

During the physical implementation of all municipal projects constant construction, investment and author's supervision is applies, which ensures that the activities provided for in the technical design are performed correctly and qualitatively. In case it is determined that some of the envisaged design solutions are not suitable for implementation, there is a possibility for their change / replacement after consent of the interested parties, incl. investor, designer and construction supervision.

Burgas Municipality is responsible for the management and maintenance of the parks on the territory of the city. It will continue to be responsible for the management and administration of the Saint Trinity Park after the renovation.

On the other hand, the local administration actively partners with representatives of cultural, sports, educational and other institutions in organizing joint events. This approach of work will continue to be applied and upgraded in the organization and holding of various events and initiatives in the park.

Potential impacts/benefits: 

Within Connecting Nature park after consultations with municipal departments, stakeholders and project partners, we decided our exampler to be Park “Saint Trinity”.

Park “Saint Trinity” is one of the biggest parks in Burgas. It is located in the heart of the city in densely populated area. It is surrounded by three neighbourhoods, the biggest hospital in the region and an area, which is of great interest to investors for establishing another neighbourhood with living and office buildings.

Through the development of our exampler we strive to achieve the following city golas:

1. Improve the process of interaction between local government and stakeholders in planning, implementation and management of high-impact projects.

2. Improve the condition of the green system and green spaces in the city.

3. Strengthen the connections between the separate green spaces on the territory of the city of Burgas.

4. Make NbS an integral part of the implementation of each project in the municipality.

• Describe the main aims, benefits and cobenefits of your exemplar.

Our aims are:

- bring back the popularity of abondened green space;

- turn the park into a popular place for spending time outside with family and friends;

- keep the feeling of wild nature;

- keep and enrich the biodiversity.

The renovation of “Saint Trinity“park will have multiple benefits, including social, environmental and economic.

Environmental benefits:

The park plays an important role in the green system of the city. As there haven’t been any serious infrastructure works on its territory, the vegetation was free to grow and develop. Trees there have a full capacity to purify the air, provide shade and tackle the “heat island” effect, because of the dense infrastructure around the park. The role of the vegetation in the park is also connected with limiting floods, caused by heavy rains. The park is a habitat of different birds and animal species. Through the replacement of ill vegetation, the area will preserve its important environmental role for the city.

 Social benefits:

As already mentioned the park is situated in a heavy populated area. Roughly more than 20 000 people are living, working or visiting the institutions and facilities (hospital, offices, shops, sport facility centre) surrounding it.

The park has a great potential to become the favourite place for people. The social benefits from its reconstruction are:

- Place for walks and leisure activities;

- Place for physical activities (yoga, jogging, roller blades, skateboard, street fitness, etc.);

- Educational activities (open classrooms, seminars);

- Recreation and rehabilitation- as park is in close proximity to the largest hospital in the region, its area could turn to a preferred place for visit by patients;

- Religious meetings- within the area of the park, there is an operational church. After the reconstruction of the park, the church could use the territory for different religious and charity initiatives;

- Entertainment- parts of the park will be used for organisation of small festivals, concerts and performances.

 Economic benefits:

The economic benefit from the implementation of the planned activities will result in several directions:

- Increase of the price of the property around the park;

- make the territory even more attractive for investors;

- turn the area into a preferred place to live and work;

The increase of private investments in the region will result in more taxes paid to the local authority.

- construct advertising areas around and within the park and rent them to companies;

- rent areas of the park for private events;

- construct small commercial area with small shops and coffees;

These places will be rented and the income will be used for maintaining the park.

- some of the territories of the park will be leased to nature based enterprises. They will have to present a concept for the development of the area they are responsible for and after the approval of the city, implement it. These areas will be demonstration areas of the private companies, where they will have the chance to show to the public, their expertise and innovations. The responsibilities of these companies will be to maintain their areas in perfect condition.

Thus, the local authority will save resources for investment and maintenance, as well as encourage the exposition of unique elements in urban area. Companies will not be allowed to construct heavy infrastructure in the park. They will have to use only natural materials and resources to implement their projects.    

• How does the exemplar connect to and deliver on existing urban agendas?

Green areas are in the focus of local administration for years. Saint Trinity Park is the last big urban green area, which is not renovated and is logically considered as a priority project for implementation.

• What makes your nature-based solutions’ strategy legally binding, e.g. by connecting it to existing policy plans?

Project is in full compliance with the strategic documents of the local authority:

- Burgas Municipality Development Plan 2014 - 2020 - Plan for integrated development of city of Burgas 2021-2027

The following priorities are immutable part of city’s strategic documents:

- Protect the environment and biodiversity;

- Adapt to climate change;

- Establishment and maintenance of the city’s green ecosystem.

The expampler is in full compliance with the above mentioned priorities as it will enrich the green system and contribute to biodiversity and environmental protection, as well as support our efforts to adopt the territory and our lives to climate change.

NbS benefits 
  • Developing climate change adaptation; improving risk management and resilience
  • Restoring ecosystems and their functions
  • Enhancing sustainable urbanisation

Technical Solutions

Step 1: Define the nature-based solution.

Park "St. Trinity" is located in the eastern part of the residential area "Slaveykov" on an area with a size of ​​about 146 decares. From the beginning of the XX to around 1960 the city cemetery is located on this territory. Due to the rapid development of the city, the cemetery was relocated.

 This happened in the period 1960 -1975 and after the relocation the park was created in its present form. The orthogonal alley network of the former cemeteries has been completely erased and a new alley network with rich landscaping has been built, in connection with the newly built residential complexes Slaveykov and Zornitsa.

Nowadays, the park "St. Trinity" occupies a central place in the urban territory. The park is surrounded on the north by Lazar Madjarov Street and "Slaveykov", from the east borders the main city arteries, Stefan Stambolov Blvd. and Struga Blvd., behind which are located respectively residential areas “Zornitsa” and “Bratya Miladinovi” and Regional University hospital Burgas. From the south, the BORDERS the railway line Burgas - Pomorie. To the southwest, the park borders Dame Gruev Blvd. and a former industrial zone, which since the late 1990s has developed as a mixed multifunctional zone with the construction of public service facilities, new residential, commercial and business buildings.

In the western part of the park in 2018 opened a swimming sports complex "Park Arena OZK", adapted for international water sports competitions. Despite its relatively central location between large residential complexes, the park is not well integrated into the urban landscape and does not serve as an area for daily recreation and entertainment. To some extent, this is due to the gloomy heritage of the park known by its nickname "Old Cemetery", but to a greater extent the problem is rooted in the outdated park development plan, poor maintenance and poor connections of the park with the residential areas around it. Restrictions for the development of the park in the urban sense are the busy city boulevards and railways- line that frames the park and makes it difficult for citizens to access. The lack of suitable facilities in the park further aggravates its socialization with residents and guests of the city.

The concept is developed on the basis of an integrated territorial approach, which aims at lasting improvement of the physical and ecological environment of the territory.

The project solution preserves and incorporates the existing elements of the park (Holy Trinity Church, the Horseman Monument, the Old Russian Monument, the Playground and Outdoor Gym for Disadvantaged Children) in terms of composition and materials concept. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the nature and potential of the environment, modern views and new ideas for the development of the park are proposed.

At the same time, an integrated approach of urban regeneration and development is applied on the target area, as the objects of intervention, including additional sites, are united in a single architectural - spatial, thematic and landscape solution and thus emphasizes the identity of the park and its uniqueness, in full in unison with the historical structure and the surrounding sites.

Areas with the following various functions are envisaged in the scope of development:

  • outdoor games and entertainment for children and adults;
  • designated places for hobby activities, free play and walking of pets, etc .;
  • daily sports, jogging, cycling;
  • extreme games and rope park;
  • areas or places for peaceful recreation and picnic areas;
  • area for church and surrounding space / compositionally and volumetrically-spatially connected with the other areas /;
  • shared workspace area;
  • entrance area and pavilion area, water effect and administration;
  • areas with movable objects for coffee and snacks and catering;
  • amphitheater area, outdoor stage and cultural orientation;
  • Restoration of the central composite axis with colored vegetation and water effect in the area of ​​the Monument "Horseman".

Given the goals for the development of the territory, the design team has developed a concept for reconstruction and improvement of the park, which includes original planning and composition proposals. The application of modern architectural - spatial, compositional and design solutions is envisaged (eg innovative flooring, water effects, elements of urban furniture, landscape thematic groups and recreation areas, plant compositions with interesting plant species and high artistic and aesthetic appearance, etc.) .

Preliminary design for reconstruction of Saint Trinity Park.

Planned premises and areas:

1. Info centre, coffee shop, WC.

2. Work offices.

3. Existing playground for children with special needs and fitness.

4. Rope park

5. Picnic area

6. Education area for road safety

7. Art zone- exhibitions, biennale

8. Amphitheatre

9. Viewing site

10. memorial plaques

11. Holy Trinity Church.

12. Youth open zone

13. Zone for sports, yoga, pilates  

14. Children playground /1-3 years , 3-12 years/

15. WC

16. Jogging alley

17. Monument „The Horseman”

18. Flowers installation

19. Water effect

20. Dog walking zone

food shop

1. Construction and restoration of areas for public recreation, children's and sports grounds, water areas and water effects, toilets, installation of park equipment and other elements of park furniture.

1.1. It is planned to build a water effect in the area of ​​the intersection of Lazar Madjarov Street and Stefan Stambolov Blvd. The situation of the water effect is in the main compositional axis to the "Horseman" monument and focuses on a main visual corridor that is revealed to the transit passengers on the boulevard.

1.2. Around the alley network are developed various functional areas - art zone (outdoor exhibitions), bicycle range, playground, lawn for games and picnics, sports and meditation area (yoga, pilates), amphitheater, dog walking area, shared work space in a park environment, youth spaces, a separate jogging alley, a rope park. All areas and activities in the park are conceived and designed in close connection.

1.3. The amphitheater and the viewing platform are positioned in the northeastern part of the park in the area with pronounced displacement, which was used in the design of the facilities.

1.4. Dog walking area equipped with facilities for training pets in the discipline "Agility". Facilities are provided for both small and large breeds, which makes the training ground one of a kind in the city.

1.5. Construction of an area for shared work space with different size and function. With different square footage and orientation, in general they can function as a large office area outdoors, in nature. They can also be divided according to interests and rented and used for events separately. Offices will be for 1, 3 or 5 users and provide high speed internet and energy efficient power supply, as well as modern interior and unobstructed views of the richly landscaped surroundings.

2. Construction of children playgrounds

Playgrounds require a protective surface material under them to mitigate the risk of children falling. The material chosen for the flooring of the new playground is mulch of coniferous bark - Pine (Pinus sp.).

The material consists of well-smoothed pieces to avoid the presence of large and small particles, as well as long, sharp chips. Once laid, this flooring has the ability to self-level when played on. It is recommended to smooth the pavement of the most used places in the playground once a week with a rake.

In practice, the lower 200 mm of a 300 mm layer of granular crust adheres by itself and forms a hard but pliable layer with good drainage properties. The top layer of 50-100 mm remains loose and does not stick. This layer "yields" to pressure, while the lower layer softens the residual impact when falling. In places with increased use, where dents are formed, it is necessary to fill with a paddle about once a month additional material from other places where the wear is not so great. The application of wood mulch includes both a drainage layer and geotextile to prevent the mixing of the bark, which slows down the decomposition and prevents the growth of weeds in the playground. Ready-made wooden elements are used to limit the perimeter of the mulch. The material meets all modern standards of quality and safety for play.

The material from which the children's facilities will be made is natural material: Acacia. The modular design offers progressive levels of difficulty for children over 2 years, as each element of the facilities in the playground is in perfect harmony with the natural environment. The facilities provided include climbing and balancing trails that draw inspiration from nature. The elements are designed for children aged 2 to 10 years to develop their physical and motor skills. When combined together, they form pathways offering different levels of difficulty.

With the provided multiplayer structures, the playground becomes a land of adventure. Gaming houses and balancing paths combine to create structures that encompass all the basic functions of the game, while at the same time fitting perfectly into the environment.

In terms of quality, the white acacia wood is almost without a rival in our country. Significantly superior to oak wood in bending strength, crushing strength, elasticity and hardness. It is extremely durable and resistant to rot, thanks to the wide core, which is tylos, impregnated with antiseptic substances. Over time, it does not lose its mechanical properties, including its elasticity. It has a beautiful texture and it gives very good details for children's play equipment. The wood can be used for up to 20 years without rot and meets the EN335 standard for durability in operation. The material is extracted from forests of controlled origin and have an FCS certificate.

3. Construction of new and reconstruction of existing park alleys and approaches, construction of bicycle paths and alleys, including installation of signposts.

Solutions are proposed for the approaches to the park (transport, pedestrian and bicycle connections), related to the nearby residential complexes and sites, including the planned large-scale expansion and overhaul of the Church "St. Trinity. The approaches selected in this way open the park to the residential complexes to the north and east.

The development clearly defines the park alleys by function (main and secondary pedestrian alleys, bicycle alleys, transport access to the park and the parking lot), by type of pavements and by width. The offered materials for the pavements take into account the type of alleys, the way of use and maintenance.

The development is in line with the existing natural footpaths, which have become established over time and have proven their functionality. The pedestrian and bicycle lanes are differentiated and a solution is offered limiting the passage of vehicles and bicycles on the pedestrian lanes. For alleys with mixed type of traffic, horizontal or vertical marking is provided. A scheme for traffic in the park is proposed - pedestrian, bicycle and alley for outdoor jogging. There are bicycle routes for training in road safety, with appropriate marking of the pavement so as not to impede fast connections and pedestrian traffic in the park.

Innovative technologies have been selected for the laying of the main floorings, providing anti-slip, weather-resistant materials, consisting of four components, which are mixed and applied on site. The flooring consists of colored stones and / or marble particles, chemical additives and improvers, pigments, special quartz aggregates, fibers, cement and others. The innovative paving system creates a porous structure that allows excess rainwater to pass through.

For decorative pavement around the main accents in the park (Monument "The Horseman", the Water Effect, Church "Saint Trinity") are selected slabs of natural stone with different texture of the pavement, observing the strict nature of the space.

For the third-level alley network, grass lane pavements are envisaged. The intervention in the area of ​​the Monument "The Horseman" is reduced to the reconstruction of the alley network and repair of compromised sidewalks, without significant deviations from the existing design solution, replacement of power cable network and park lighting, artistic lighting of the monument, equipment with park furniture / benches, trash bins, etc./ and landscape reconstruction.

4. Video surveillance system will be installed on the territory of the park to prevent crime and assure safety to visitors.

5. Free high speed Wi-Fi network will be available in the park.

6. Park equipment and furniture (benches, lighting fixtures, bicycle stands, signposts, waste bins, etc.). The focus will be on “smart equipment” and “intelligent” infrastructure such as: smart bench, smart table, smart pole, information kiosks and other hardware. The park envisages the introduction of a system for separate waste collection.

7. Installation of energy-saving park lighting

It is planned to replace the lighting fixtures, the power supply network and implement energy efficiency measures.

Replacing old luminaires is a necessity for economy. The lighting fixtures will be energy saving LED. Software system managing the level of illumination according to the passengers in the park, intensity of daylight will contribute additionally for energy saving. Wherever possible street lights will be powered with solar energy.

The park lighting will be energy saving and at the same time, will provide a variety of colors, RGB variability, easy dimmability and transition from one color temperature to another. This additional functionality of the outdoor lighting allows to decorate the park environment by adopting a unified design solution based on aesthetic and economic principles.

8. Construction of automated irrigation system

An automated irrigation system is envisaged, which will be supplied with water from a drilling well, after research and proposal of a possibility for construction. Irrigation with automated irrigation systems is the only applicable and possible approach that can be considered, planned and applied in the maintenance of green and flower areas in a park environment. The overall benefits of applying this type of irrigation are indisputable - saving valuable human resources as a result of reducing the use of manual labor; reduced water consumption costs and higher irrigation efficiency, ie. improving the conditions for vegetation development, due to the possibility to regulate the duration and frequency of watering; better overall vision of the landscape, due to the possibilities for unobtrusive placement of irrigation systems; in the long run and more comprehensive perspective this type of irrigation is significantly more environmentally friendly, due to saving of natural and ecnomic resources.

Irrigation system allows irrigation on a precise schedule and with a very precise duration, providing a number of advantages: 100% automation of watering, by connecting to a programmer with pre-set programs; Dividing the irrigation area into zones so as to ensure approximately the same amount of water in each of them; Lower water consumption and more control compared to manual watering; easy maintenance; Optimal watering of the plants - in the early and / or late hours and with a duration precisely determined up to a minute, which guarantees the maintenance of the optimal maximum field moisture capacity.

With the help of automated underground irrigation systems intelligent and economical watering of green areas is achieved. The automated watering system ensures: Optimal water regime for all plants in the park; Optimized water consumption; Time saving.

9. Vegitation

The new plant species, trees, shrubs and perennial flowers have a decorative effect in all seasons and are suitable for the region. New deciduous and coniferous trees, shrubs, flowers and ornamental grasses will be imported, in accordance with the climatic conditions of the region. Along with the enrichment of the park environment with new vegetation, the following activities are planned:

  • Improving the condition of the existing tree and bush vegetation;
  • Removal of dry and dangerous trees and coppice vegetation;
  • Complementing the existing tree and shrub groups with interesting and diverse species;
  • Stress on solitaire woody plants that have a beautiful common habit and dominate the space. Highlig with park lighting.

9.1. Tree vegetation. Apart from being functional, the ecological role of woody vegetation is indispensable, as these plantations help to create and maintain conditions for a normal and healthy living environment, by providing shade, thermal insulation, protection from moisture and wind, improving air quality, reducing noise, increasing humidity and reducing surface runoff. The main principle of the concept is the preservation of the available tree vegetation to the maximum extent.

9.2. Overgrazing with grass mixture. The main planar vegetative element in the park spaces and the main background for all plant, sculptural or architectural volumes in the park environment are the lawns, which usually occupy large spaces. With the variety of shades of green, they create the feeling of space and tranquility of visitors in parks and gardens. Along with their aesthetic purpose and psychological impact, lawns have anti-erosion and strengthening effect on soil layers, reduce the spread of noise, affect the microclimate through their dust-retaining and moisture-retaining ability, support the creation of a healthy living environment through phytoncide radiation, sports, walks and rest. It is necessary to reconsider their current categorization, which will help optimize the technology for care (mowing, watering, fertilizing, weeding, treatment with fertilizers, aeration, verticutting, rolling, etc.), as well as their need for reconstruction. Restoration of lawns through partial or complete repairs should be carried out by appropriate methods (manual sowing, hydroseeding, mulching) and with appropriate grass mixtures at the appropriate sowing rate, which are consistent with the different purpose of the lawns - representative, ordinary, sports , industrial, peripheral, etc.

9.3. Implementation of flower areas. The use of flowers in green areas as an element of their overall composition increases the aesthetic impact they give to the urban environment and makes them an expected element of parks, gardens and other open urban spaces. The flowers are used to build various color figures and compositions, and their main distinguishing feature is the colorful accent, which is imported into the park environment. Through the individual set of qualities and properties of each individual plant, connected in unity with the others in the flower composition, a complex impact is achieved in the open park spaces. Due to the strong effect of these compositions, it is extremely important that they be an integral element of the sustainable development of the modern urban environment, through proper scaling in space, achieving thematic unity with the environment and proper selection of decorative flowers sufficiently resistant to the city environment. Flowers are the most dynamic of all elements of the green system, which is due to the shorter lifespan, the rapid change of volume and color during the growing season, easy and fast change of plant species and types of flower arrangements, the rich variety of species and varietal composition.

Nature based approach –Biodiverstity

In the design was paid special attention to the development and enrichment of the park fauna through various design solutions. The emotional impact of the fauna on humans is of great importance and therefore its preservation is of utmost importance.

Specifically in the park environment of park "St. Trinity ”, the number of birds in the biotope is influenced by many factors. In general, it can be stated that it is directly proportional to the plant mass in it, as it primarily determines the nesting conditions and the amount of natural food. In the park the total plant mass is influenced primarily by the species composition, age and number of levels of the plantations. Factors that directly or indirectly affect the number of birds also intervene in the settlements. The most significant of these are the degree of air and vegitation leaf surface pollution, the noise of vehicles and the proximity of humans, which is associated with disturbance and in many cases the destruction of bird nests by domestic animals and children. It should be noted that the urbanization of the environment affects not only the quantity but also the species composition of birds. Some birds get used to the proximity of humans and their density in the "urban" environment is several times higher than in other habitats (dove, Common blackbird, great spotted woodpecкer, Eurasian jay, goldfinch, starling, etc.).

Other species that until a few decades ago avoided the proximity of man are now his companions (European turtle dove, Common wood pigeon, Common swift, Alpine swift, European green woodpecker, Song thrush etc.).

There is the opposite phenomenon, many species of birds began to withdraw from the settlements (white and black storks, European nightjar, White-throated dipper, barn swallow etc.). The reasons for this are the changes in the biotopes and the presence of the basic natural food for the birds in them.

Due to the active economic activity of man in their natural biotopes, as well as the creation of artificial biotopes suitable for their life in the settlements (parks and gardens), it is necessary to strengthen the measures for the protection and attraction of useful birds in them.

The total plant mass in the biotope also determines the quantities of birds in it, therefore the task set by the designer to improve the nesting and feeding conditions for birds is to provide more plant mass. It should be noted that this is not just about increasing the density of a particular level (grass, shrub or tree), but about the overall volume solution of space in the park at a height of 10-15m. In determining this height, the height at which birds nest is taken into account. This requires special attention to be paid on the area of upti 2-3 meters in height, where many of songbirds prefer to nest (great tit, nightingales, Fringilla, bunting, thrush, wren, etc.). There is a very good opportunity, along with the improvement of the nesting conditions, to solve the issue of the food base. For this purpose, fruit-bearing ornamental shrub species, fruits and seeds, on which the birds willingly eat, should be used as a ground floor.

The main measures and considerations that are taken into account in landscaping and park management, according to the above general requirements, include improvement of the composition and structure of the green areas in the park.

The tree species and in general the composition of the green system in the settlement is essential for the presence in them of one or another species of birds. Many species inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, but there are species that are found in pure coniferous forests. Some birds are even attached to a particular tree or shrub species that serves as their main food at different times of the year.

The choice of ornamental tree and shrub species in landscaping is of a primary importance. Undoubtedly the main thing here are the aesthetic criteria in the overall solution of the park space. However, it is possible to enrich the species diversity of the vegetation in the park with some fruit-bearing ornamental tree and shrub species to attract more birds, which will increase its aesthetic value many times over. For this purpose, it is planned to plant new tree and shrub species of Caragana arborescens, Prunus padus and more specimens of the species Prunus avium, Betula pendula, Fraxinus sp., Acer campestre, Ligustrum ovalifolium and Sorbus aucuparia, which is planted in many places in the park "St. Trinity" and serves as food for its inhabitants.

Increase of plants age contributes to the development of rich grass and shrub vegetation, which increases the total plant mass in the park. Therefore, as the age of the plantation increases, the living conditions of the birds improve and their species composition increases. Many new species are also housed on the ground floor, whereas previously nesting was only possible in the crowns of the big trees. With increasing age, the living conditions of birds also improve. This is mainly due to the growth of crowns, which offer significantly greater nesting opportunities. If there is no terrestrial vegetation, the species composition here is limited only to birds nesting in the crowns of trees.

From what has been said so far, it is clear that in fact the greatest reserve for increasing the density of birds are multi-level plantations. This creates an opportunity for many species of birds to nest from the ground to the highest parts of the trees.

In the park an important condition for increasing the number of birds is the mosaic distribution of the individual levels of the vegetation, as well as its separation from alleys, playgrounds, meadows, etc. This significantly increases the park's ledge, where most birds prefer to nest and forage. In places where open spaces are significantly more, this problem does not exist. Here, however, the density of shrub vegetation that birds use for shelter and nesting is often insufficient. This issue will be successfully solved by building hedges, where aesthetic requirements allow. A well-maintained and often pruned hedge is an excellent refuge for small songbirds (sparrow, nightingale, blackbird, etc.). In these shelters, in suitable places, some of the branches are tied or pruned so as to form rosettes in which the nightingale, the red-backed shrike, the nutcracker, the songbird and other birds build their nests.

The improvement of the nesting conditions and the food base in the biotope attracts not only the open-nesting, but also the hollow-nesting birds, which stay for the good shelters and the rich food and build nests in the hollows of the trees.

In the summer in the park the birds do not always have access to drinking water. In many cases, despite the other good conditions that the park offers for living, this is the only reason why birds do not inhabit these areas. To avoid this, enough drinking spots are planned in suitable places in the park, in quieter areas and open places where the birds have a wide view.

At the moment there are no mammals in the park areas of the park "St. Trinity. The main species that can be attracted is the squirrel, and for this purpose it is necessary to provide suitable habitats for the species. Measures to ensure the successful breeding and protection of this species of mammal in park areas include determining the species composition and quantity in the park, improving artificial living conditions. The planting of tree species of the Quercus sp., Pinus sp., Picea sp., Corylus sp., Juglans regia will provide a favorable environment for the development and reproduction of this species of mammals. .

 The introduction of new ornamental plant species with beautiful flowering and edible fruits will also contribute to attracting bees and other pollinating insects.

Step 2: Develop an understanding of the landscape context and the ecosystem service needs

Develop an understanding of the landscape context and ecosystem services needs Landscape scale: • What is the broad landscape context (e.g. watershed, ecosystems, geology of the peri-urban and rural areas surrounding the city)? • What challenges does the broad landscape face (environmental, social, economic)? City scale: • What is the city landscape context (e.g. watershed, ecosystems, geology)? • What challenges does the city face as a whole (environmental, social, economic)? Local scale: • What is the local landscape context of the site of the nature-based solution exemplar (e.g. watershed, ecosystems, geology)? • What are the needs of the locality of the nature-based solution exemplar (e.g. what are the environmental, social, economic needs)? Exemplars that cover multiple local scales: • If your exemplar is being delivered across multiple local scales, how does your technical design balance variation across local scales (in terms of variation in social, economic, and environmental needs of place)? • How does the technical design improve biodiversity and ecological connectivity in relation to local habitats/city-wide connectivity strategies/the broader landscape across the multiple local scales?

The analysis of the condition of the territory and the existing technical infrastructure determines the prerequisites for future upgrading and development of the area.

Field characteristics. The relief configuration of the park is flat, with a small displacement on the east side of the park, connection with Struga Blvd., which makes it suitable for the development of different function areas related to passive recreation, entertainment and social contacts. Most of the terrains are not leveled, which hinders their quality maintenance and are full of self-settled wood and shrub vegetation, household and organic waste, which requires gradual steps to make them look good and safe for residents, which at the same time will improve the conditions and facilitate their maintenance.            

Alley network. The existing alley network is poorly developed and consists of:

• Main ground pedestrian approach to the Horseman monument from the intersection of Stefan Stambolov Blvd. and Lazar Madjarov Str.;

• Quick access to the public transport stop and University hospital Burgas, through an underpass on Stefan Stambolov Blvd .;

• Pedestrian access to Church "St. Trinity ";

• Natural pedestrian alleys, established over time and paved by people.

The existing alley network is currently depreciated, which hinders access and attendance. With the exception of the alleys in the northern part of the park, which are used for connection between the residential area Slaveykov and the bus stop on Stefan Stambolov Blvd., the alley network is chaotic, without clear connections and accents.

Existing vegetation. The existing large-sized tree vegetation is over 40 years old. The predominant existing vegetation is represented mainly by deciduous species: Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer campestre, Fraxinus excelsior, Fraxinus ornus, Robinia pseudoacacia, Sophora japonica, Tilia sp., Platanus orientalis, Ulmus sp., Celtis australis, Quercus rubra, Sorbus torminalis, Sorbus aucuparia, Catalpa sp., Aesculus hippocastanum, Betula pendula, Cercis siliquastrum, etc. Of the coniferous trees predominate Cupressus sempervirens, Thuja orientalis, Cedrus sp., Taxus baccata, Picea abies, Picea pungens, Abies sp., Juniperus virginiana and others.

The following negative trends have been observed in the last few decades:

• lack of systematic care, turning green areas into those with overgrown vegetation, unattractive to use and practically unusable;

• lack of measures regarding the overall development of the park, as well as planning and synchronization in the maintenance of green areas;

• Lack of variability and innovative solutions in the planning and implementation of specific measures for landscaping of the park, due to the outflow of specialists specialized in the development of green infrastructure in general;

• depreciated recreation infrastructure with a clear need for constant commitment to its maintenance and renovation;

• Lack of a comprehensive digital information base, including geo-based, for green areas, their elements and their characteristics, which would provide correct, complete and with the ability to filter, analyze and update information for professional and public use;

• reduction of the volume of the types of works necessary for the maintenance of the green areas, due to lack of financial resources;

• Insufficient resources and inconsistency of efforts, which leads to unsatisfactory general condition of green infrastructure, which reflects on the other elements of the development of the urban environment.

DIAGNOSIS. MAIN PROBLEMS

Despite its central location between large residential complexes, the park is not well integrated into the urban landscape and does not serve as an area for daily recreation and entertainment. To some extent, this is due to the gloomy heritage of the park known by its nickname "Old Cemetery", but to a greater extent the problem is rooted in the outdated park development plan, poor maintenance and poor connections of the park with the residential areas around it. Restricters for the development of the park in the urban sense are the busy city boulevards and railways, the line that frames the park and makes it difficult for citizens to access. The lack of suitable "anchors" in the park further aggravates its socialization with residents and guests of the city.

After the detailed research and analysis of the territory, the main problems of the park stand out, which should be addressed with the present development:

  • Bad reputation in the territory
  • Weak connection with the residential areas located north and east of the park (Zornitsa and Bratya Miladinovi)
  • Deteriorated condition of the existing park infrastructure - depreciated and not well developed alley network, depreciated park furniture, poor condition of the landscaped terrains, grass, bush and tree vegetation.
  • Lack of attractive architectural and landscape environment to attract and retain visitors to the park
  • Poor provision with technical infrastructure - lack of irrigation system for maintenance of green areas and site sewerage for sewage, compromised park lighting and insufficient power of the existing electricity supply

At the same time, regardless of the current state of the park, it is visited daily by residents of surrounding residential neighborhoods of all ages, which is proof that the location of the park favors the creation and maintenance of high quality park environment and achieving sustainable functional connection of the natural and planned elements of the green system, so that the functioning of the green infrastructure provides multifaceted benefits for people and continuously improves the quality of life, while preserving and developing the benefits of the existing environment.

Along with the general zoning, the exampler needs to offer a solution to the engineering infrastructure of the territory as a whole. It is important to solve and categorize the main approaches and alley routes that form the backbone of the park composition. Measures should be provided to attract visitors by providing opportunities for recreation and enetertainment of different social groups - children and young people, mothers with young children, the elderly and disadvantaged people. To effectively cover the entire range of functions, with even structuring and loading of the areas for passive and active recreation in the park.

FORECAST FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE INTERVENTION

 After analyzing the main problems of the developed area and making diagnosis, the improvement of the physical environment stands out as a main priority for future development of the park. The project intervention should justify measures that will increase the perception of the comfort of living in the park space, increase attendance and increase the importance of the park for local citizens and guests of the city, for social and cultural life, to improve the image of the park and its transformation into an attractive area for different age groups.

Specific objectives to be achieved:

• Creation of shared public spaces and implementation of innovative solutions to improve the physical environment of the park.

• Creating conditions for the integration of disadvantaged groups

• Preserve and enrich the biodiversity in the park;

• Increasing the safety and security of the park environment;

• Creating a renewed urban environment by introducing innovative "Smart City" solutions;

• Digitization of the information about the reconstructed territory and its publication in the existing integrated intelligent systems of the municipality of Burgas (GIS Burgas, Smart Burgas, VR Burgas and others) for use by experts and citizens, through provided public access. Digital marketing, as an innovative approach, would strengthen the public interest in the territory and the new social functions in the areas of intervention.

Step 3: Feed understanding into design, delivery, and stewardship.

Embedding multiple functions into the planning, delivery and stewardship of the nature-based solution • How are you targeting benefits, co-benefits and trade-offs related to the landscape/city/local scale through the nature-based solution exemplar technical design? • How are you managing the transition from technical planning to technical delivery of the nature-based solution?

The concept for renovation of Saint Trinity Park is developed by municipal specialists with the necessary qualifications and experience. This approach was chosen because the park is municipal property and the local administration has all the information about the site, incl. condition of the infrastructure, underground communications, assessment of the health of the vegetation, as well as deep knowledge of the problems of the area due to the maintenance it provides over the years, as well as the signals and complaints received from citizens about the unsatisfactory condition of the park.

The concept for development of the area is based not only on its social functions, but also environmental and economic requirements. Of vital importance is the requirement that the reconstruction and improvement of space must be performed in a way that not only to preserves but also enriches biodiversity. Another basic principle that is advocated is the economic viability of the site, providing an opportunity for the site to generate revenue to support subsequent maintenance.

The park is included in the Plan for integrated development of the city of Burgas for the period 2021-2027. This is the main strategic document for the development of Burgas Municipality in the next 7 years. The sites and project included in it will be financed under the European Regional Development Fund, through the Regional Development Program 2021-2027, financial instruments and own funds of Burgas Municipality.

Step 4: Iterative monitoring and evaluation

During the physical implementation of all municipal projects constant construction, investment and author's supervision is applies, which ensures that the activities provided for in the technical design are performed correctly and qualitatively. In case it is determined that some of the envisaged design solutions are not suitable for implementation, there is a possibility for their change / replacement after consent of the interested parties, incl. investor, designer and construction supervision.

Burgas Municipality is responsible for the management and maintenance of the parks on the territory of the city. It will continue to be responsible for the management and administration of the Saint Trinity Park after the renovation.

On the other hand, the local administration actively partners with representatives of cultural, sports, educational and other institutions in organizing joint events. This approach of work will continue to be applied and upgraded in the organization and holding of various events and initiatives in the park.

Sustainable Development Goals 
  • 3. Good Health and Well-being
  • 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • 10. Reducing Inequality
  • 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • 17. Partnerships for the Goals