Lemara Model Community Park

With support from the HealthBridge Foundation of Canada and UN-Habitat, UPC revitalised Lemara Park into a safer and more welcoming public space for the surrounding community. The improvements included a public toilet, children's play areas, games, seating and green space, with culturally relevant activities such as Bao and chess drawing users across different age groups.

In the first week after the improvements opened, daily use rose from a baseline of 18 to 25 visitors to between 20 and 34. The park also created a local income-generating opportunity through the employment of a park attendant.

Working with Arusha City Council, and involving residents in maintenance from the outset, has given the park local ownership that outlasts the construction. Lemara now serves as a model for turning underused urban land into an active, community-managed public asset, and for future investment in inclusive public space across Arusha.