Urban Park in Addis Ababa

Hamle 19 Park

An Expository Essay

Urban Landscape Planning and Design

Course [MUPD 6221]
Extension program

Prepared by: HAFTOM G/EYESUS [GSE/8443/17]

Submitted to: Dr. Solomon Benti

Date: January 11, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENT
1 Hamle 19 Park Overview................................................................................... 1
2 Dominant Landscape Elements in Hamlie 19 Park..............................................2
2.1 Different Tree Specious and Dense Plantation....................................................................................2
2.2 Children Play Ground, Cafeteria and Ceremony Hall..........................................................................3
2.3 Cobblestone Path, Seating Areas and Lawns......................................................................................4
2.4 Shrubs, Bushes, Flowering and Ivy-Covered Tree................................................................................5

3 Evaluating the Park............................................................................................6

3.1 Good Aspects......................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Areas for Improvement.......................................................................................................................6

4 Reference.......................................................................................................... 7

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1 Hamle 19 Park Overview

Hamlie 19 Public is one of the major parks in Addis Ababa. It’s located in gulele sub city
behind US embassy Addis Ababa. Hamle 19 Park has been serving the royal family since
1933 and was opened to all visitors in 1967.It spans over an area of 6.79 hectare. It is a
large park with beautiful exotic trees. It is also a historical place as the Empress Menen,
wife of Haile Selassie, retreated there. It became a national park in 1975.

Hamlie 19 Public Park is a recreational green space that serves as an urban retreat for
residents and visitors. It is named after the Ethiopian calendar date Hamlie 19, which
corresponds to late July in the Gregorian calendar. The park’s name and purpose align with
Ethiopia’s emphasis on preserving history and culture. The park gets its name from the date
it was acquired by the new regime (Derg) from the royal family possession.

The park offers a tranquil environment with landscaped gardens, trees, and open spaces
for relaxation and leisure. It is equipped with walking paths, seating areas, and sometimes
hosts cultural and community events. Weddings are quite popular in this park. This
spacious park curves back around the entrance with various paths and gardens clustered
along a riverbank (Kebena River). The park is renowned for its lush greenery, featuring
exotic trees and well-maintained gardens along a riverbank. One of the more whimsical
features is an ivy-covered tree. The park is under the management of Addis Ababa City
Administration Public Recreational Areas Corporation.

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2 Dominant Landscape Elements in Hamlie 19 Park

2.1 Different Tree Specious and Dense Plantation

The park features a diverse collection of tree species, including the Weyra (Olea europaea),
Tsid (Juniperus procera), and Zigba (Podocarpus falcatus), along with other species such
as palms and native varieties.

The Weyra, an evergreen olive tree, thrives in well-drained soils and contributes both
aesthetic and economic value through its fruits and oil. The Tsid, a tall coniferous tree native
to Ethiopia's highlands, is valued for its durable timber and ecological benefits, while the
Zigba, known for its dense canopy and high-quality wood, plays a vital role in reforestation
efforts.

Palms and other adaptable species add to the park’s biodiversity, creating a lush, multi-
functional green space. These trees collectively enhance the park’s ecological health,
provide shade, and contribute to soil stability, making it a thriving and sustainable
environment.

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2.2 Children Play Ground, Cafeteria and Ceremony Hall

The park is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse community needs, featuring a

children’s playground, a cafeteria, and a ceremony hall. The children’s playground offers a
safe and engaging space with age-appropriate play structures, encouraging physical
activity, social interaction, and imaginative play in a natural setting. Adjacent to this lively
area, the cafeteria provides a welcoming spot for visitors to relax and enjoy refreshments,
with seating that allows them to appreciate the park’s greenery.

The ceremony hall serves as a versatile venue for various events, from weddings and
cultural celebrations to workshops and community gatherings. These elements together
enhance the park’s functionality, making it a vibrant hub for recreation, relaxation, and
social connection.

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2.3 Cobblestone Path, Seating Areas and Lawns

The park’s design integrates cobblestone pathways, seating areas, and expansive lawns,
creating a harmonious and inviting environment for visitors. The cobblestone paths wind
gracefully through the park, offering durable and aesthetically pleasing walkways that guide
visitors while preserving the natural beauty of the surroundings. Strategically placed seating
areas provide comfortable spots for relaxation, conversation, and enjoying the scenic views,
blending seamlessly with the landscape.

The lush lawns serve as open spaces for leisure activities, picnics, or simply unwinding
amidst the greenery. Together, these features promote accessibility, enhance visitor
comfort, and support a range of recreational activities, making the park an ideal destination
for individuals and families alike.

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2.4 Shrubs, Bushes, Flowering and Ivy-Covered Tree

The park's landscape is enriched by the inclusion of shrubs, bushes, flowering plants, and
ivy-covered trees, which add layers of texture, color, and vibrancy to the environment.
Shrubs and bushes are thoughtfully arranged to create natural boundaries, enhance
privacy, and provide habitats for small wildlife. Flowering plants bring seasonal bursts of
color and fragrance, delighting visitors and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies,
further supporting the park’s ecological balance.

Ivy-covered trees add a timeless charm to the space, their cascading greenery creating a
serene and shaded ambiance. These plant elements not only beautify the park but also
contribute to its biodiversity, air purification, and overall sense of tranquility, making it a
scenic and harmonious retreat.

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3 Evaluating the Park

3.1 Good Aspects

1. Diverse Flora: The Park boasts a wide variety of tree species, including Weyra, Tsid, and
Zigba, along with palms and native species, enhancing biodiversity and ecological value.
2. Amenities for Visitors: The inclusion of a children’s playground, a cafeteria, and a
ceremony hall caters to diverse visitor needs, making it a hub for recreation, relaxation, and
community events.
3. Aesthetic and Functional Design: Features like cobblestone pathways, strategically placed
seating areas, and expansive lawns create an inviting and accessible environment.
4. Landscape Enhancements: Shrubs, bushes, flowering plants, and ivy-covered trees enrich
the visual appeal and contribute to a tranquil atmosphere while supporting local wildlife.
5. Historical Significance: The Park’s connection to Ethiopia’s royal history and cultural
heritage adds a unique dimension to its appeal.
6. Management and Maintenance: The well-maintained greenery and infrastructure reflect
effective management by the Addis Ababa City Administration Public Recreational Areas
Corporation.

3.2 Areas for Improvement

1. Water Management: Considering the park’s location near the Kebena River, implementing
measures to prevent pollution and enhance water features could further improve its
ecological and aesthetic value.
2. Accessibility: While pathways exist, ensuring they are accessible to individuals with
disabilities, such as by adding ramps or tactile paving, would make the park more inclusive.
3. Event Management: The ceremony hall is a valuable feature but could benefit from
upgrades like improved acoustics, seating, and climate control to accommodate diverse
events more effectively.
4. Educational Opportunities: Adding more informational signage about the trees, plants, and
history of the park and direction could enhance the visitor experience and promote
environmental awareness.
5. Waste Management: Installing more waste disposal bins and promoting recycling within the
park would maintain cleanliness and support sustainability efforts.
6. Lighting and Security: Improved lighting along pathways and key areas would enhance
safety during evening hours and encourage longer visits.

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4 Reference

1. Addis Ababa City Administration Public Recreational Areas Corporation

website
https://aacaprac.gov.et/?park=hamle-19-park

2. GPS my city Inc. website

https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/hamle-19-public-park-44452.html

3. AddisGreenSpace.org

https://addisgreenspace.wordpress.com/2011/02/13/hamle-19/

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