In Hoboken, a small city prone to flooding, a children’s playground also serves as a stormwater management system. Located on the western shore of the Hudson River, nearly four-fifths of Hoboken’s area lies on a floodplain. This vulnerability to flooding was perhaps never more evident than in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy struck, flooding the city with 500 million gallons of water (almost 2 billion liters) due to storm surges.

The innovative design of the playground allows it to temporarily store rainwater, helping to alleviate some of the pressure on the city’s drainage system during heavy rainfall. This multifunctional approach not only provides a much-needed recreational space for children but also integrates flood mitigation strategies into urban planning. As climate change continues to impact coastal cities with more frequent and severe weather events, such creative solutions are increasingly important for enhancing resilience and sustainability in vulnerable areas like Hoboken.