With its charming atmosphere and strong connectivity, Mahmudia, a commune on the edge of the Danube Delta, is seeing increasing tourism. To enhance this appeal, the Local Council launched a project to transform the Danube bank into a welcoming public space for both locals and visitors. The project involved community and stakeholder consultations, focus groups, and feedback collection, resulting in an inclusive public infrastructure that features three key areas: the Mineral Park, the Communal Cliff, and the Communal Garden. 

Emphasis was placed on accessibility, navigation, and clear information. The Mineral Park, situated at the western end of the waterfront, includes a viewing platform, a suspended ramp, and steps along the Danube bank, offering panoramic views. The Communal Waterfront, the project’s most intricate section, required hydrotechnical infrastructure for flood protection, allowing the design of a promenade, a public square, a playground, and two key buildings: the Multifunctional Pavilion, for community events and social gatherings, and the Observation Tower, catering to birdwatchers and providing public amenities.  The project focuses on creating inclusive playscapes that encourage interactions among people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds, recognizing the significant impact such spaces have on community development. The playground mimics Mahmudia’s geographical feature of five hills, offering flexible play scenarios with varying heights and inclinations to accommodate diverse mobility needs. The playscape is intended to be both challenging and accessible, appealing to both children and adults.

The project concludes with the Communal Garden in the east, which maintains the natural feel of the Danube Delta’s riverbanks while offering docking facilities for visitors to the Reserve. 

The development includes accessible facilities such as drinking fountains, restrooms, and various relaxation areas near the playground and other key spots along the promenade.

An inclusive approach guided the entire design process, with ongoing assessments planned to ensure accessibility and ease of diverse users. We will continue impact assessments over the next 3-5 years through regular visits, direct observations, and public surveys to collect feedback on the level of accessibility and use. We are aware that a 100% inclusive built environment does not exist, but involving a diverse range of people in the design process is essential to shaping public spaces that meet the evolving needs of the community.