Seka Park - Kocaeli

Seka Park is a waterfront redevelopment area located directly on the coast in the city center of İzmit, Kocaeli, and is regarded as one of Türkiye’s largest industrial transformation projects. The park was created through the redevelopment of the former 580-dönüm SEKA Paper Factory site and now plays a vital role in restoring İzmit’s identity as a coastal city.

Seka Park (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Historical Development

The SEKA Paper Factory, established in İzmit during the Republican era, played a central role in the region’s industrial and employment structure for many years. However, after losing its operational function, the site became a zone of urban decay. Following the factory’s closure in 2005, the land was transferred to the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, initiating an urban and industrial transformation process. This transformation serves as a model for the sustainable use of coastal areas and the creation of new public urban spaces.

Project and Transformation Process

Seka Park was planned and implemented in three phases: preservation and repurposing of existing factory structures, creation of recreational and green spaces, and reorganization of transportation and social infrastructure. The project adopted principles of environmental protection, conservation of the coastline, enhancement of plant communities, and the creation of an open public space accessible to all.

Seka Park (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Impact on Coastal Land Use

The area, which had been used for industrial purposes for approximately 70 years, has been transformed into a multifunctional space offering recreation, sports, cultural activities, and relaxation. The proportion of green space along the coastline has increased significantly, and facilities such as beaches, walking paths, cycling lanes, children’s play areas, sports complexes, and social amenities have strengthened the interaction between the coast and the public. Additionally, preserved factory buildings have been reinterpreted for cultural and artistic functions, contributing to the city’s collective memory.

Physical and Functional Features

Today, Seka Park comprises a wide range of spatial and functional units. The site includes a marina, a paper museum, a city museum, exhibition and performance halls, sports facilities, children’s play centers, walking and cycling paths, ponds, sandy beaches, and recreational zones. A parking capacity for 2,000 vehicles has also been provided to ensure easy access. The park features diverse recreational amenities such as basketball, tennis, and football courts, a mini-golf course, a skate park, and a kite-flying hill.

Seka Park (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Socio-Cultural and Environmental Contributions

Seka Park has contributed significantly to the revitalization of İzmit’s identity as a coastal city and has facilitated the integration of the urban population with the shoreline. The project is not merely a green space initiative; it is recognized as a transformation model that harmonizes with the natural environment, preserves cultural heritage, and adheres to sustainability principles. In this regard, it offers an alternative to the mismanagement of coastal areas in Türkiye and serves as a benchmark for future projects.