Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality has officially launched the construction of an innovative ‘Sustainable Park’ in the Güneşler district of Adapazarı, marking an important milestone in local climate action and urban sustainability.

The Sustainable Park is being developed within the framework of the project Strengthening the local intervention capacities for climate change in the Black Sea Region. The park represents the physical implementation of Sakarya’s Local Adaptation Action Plan, turning policy commitments into tangible, community-oriented infrastructure.

Planned on a 5,000-square-meter site, the park goes beyond conventional green spaces by functioning as a ‘living laboratory’ for environmental innovation. The area will showcase advanced, nature-based and technological solutions that support climate resilience and resource efficiency.

What sets Sustainable Park apart from standard recreational areas is its focus on serving as a test bed for environmental technology. It is designed to be a ‘living lab’ featuring infrastructure rarely seen in Türkiye. Main installations will include:

• Carbon Footprint Kiosks: Interactive stations where visitors can measure and understand their carbon impact
• Smart Energy Solutions: Solar-powered benches and lighting systems to ensure energy autonomy
• Sustainable Infrastructure: The use of permeable concrete to manage rainwater runoff, alongside on-site compost machines and recycling stations to manage waste
• Environmental Monitoring: A dedicated system to monitor air quality and other environmental indicators in real-time
• Atmospheric Water Generators: Advanced devices capable of producing potable water from the air

Beyond infrastructure, the park is designed as an open air education and awareness center. Students, teachers and civil society organisations are expected to benefit from learning activities, demonstrations and environmental events. By bringing sustainable practices into daily public life, the park bridges the gap between climate policy and practical action.

The Sustainable Park stands as a flagship example of how Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin cooperation can deliver visible, high-impact solutions for local communities while strengthening regional capacity to adapt to climate change.

Follow the LAP BLACK project for the progress of the works.