2018 Reports

Parque del Lago, Quito: Reclaiming and Adapting a City Center

Clark, Christopher Michael; Flynn, Michael

The Parque del Lago project in Quito transforms the city’s former international airport into a multifunctional urban park designed for climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, and ecosystem service provision. The park integrates hydrological networks, wetlands, and a central lake to manage stormwater, recharge aquifers, and mitigate urban heat, while supporting native and endemic species through successional planting and habitat creation. Multi-use spaces promote recreation, education, and local engagement, linking community benefits with ecological restoration. This case demonstrates how repurposing urban infrastructure can foster resilience, sustainable urban development, and serve as a model for other cities facing climate and biodiversity challenges.