Rasulbagh Shishu Park

Located within the dense urban fabric of Old Dhaka, Rasulbagh Shishu Park is a powerful example of how public space can become a catalyst for social transformation. Once neglected, inaccessible, and associated with anti-social activities, the site has been revitalised into a vibrant community destination under Dhaka South City Corporation’s “Jol Shobuje Dhaka” initiative. The project’s most significant intervention was the removal of a boundary wall that had physically and psychologically isolated the park from its surroundings. Developed through close collaboration with local residents, the design preserves existing trees while introducing new planting, open recreational areas, and facilities for all age groups. A playground, sports field, library, community hall, gymnasium, Eidgah, pavilion, and public plaza collectively create a welcoming civic environment. More than a landscape project, Rasulbagh Shishu Park represents the restoration of trust, ownership, and collective identity. By prioritising openness and participation, the park demonstrates how thoughtful design can strengthen social cohesion and reconnect communities with their public realm.