The Multiple Benefits of Pocket Parks as Urban Micro-Interventions and Their Implementation Potential in the City of Niš

<p>In urban areas, which are increasingly facing environmental and spatial challenges such as the urban heat island effect, air pollution, and a decline in quality of life, there are often neglected and underutilized spaces with the potential to become valuable public resources. In this context, pocket parks represent one of the key micro-interventions that can contribute to improving urban living conditions by enhancing microclimate, increasing biodiversity, and creating accessible public spaces. By analyzing theoretical frameworks and examples of best practices from various cities worldwide, this paper explores the multiple benefits of pocket parks from ecological, microclimatic, social, and urban planning perspectives. Special emphasis is placed on the possibilities for implementing pocket parks in the city of Niš, Serbia through the identification of potential locations based on an analysis of the urban context and spatial-functional criteria. The research indicates that pocket parks, as part of a sustainable development strategy, can contribute to the regeneration of degraded areas and the improvement of urban structures. By examining relevant criteria and implementation challenges, the paper provides recommendations for integrating pocket parks into the urban development of Niš, highlighting the potential of micro-interventions in creating a higher-quality and more sustainable urban environment.</p>