If parking lots were playgrounds: a new model for enhancing urban recreation

This thesis posits shortcomings in current techniques for locating parks. It suggests a possible solution that involves dual use of existing parking lots as recreational amenities. These recreation enhanced parking lots would serve as both parking lots and part-time parks. The project explores the form these facilities would take, how they can enhance access to recreation, and the appropriate urban contexts for them. Demonstration design is done for retrofitting an existing parking lot in Athens, Georgia. The specific research question that this thesis addresses is: How can we increase urban access to recreation by leveraging existing parking infrastructure?