Curbing, a major design hurdle?

Thousands of linear feet of concrete curbing break up the asphalt jungle that is the site for this thesis. Reforestation of large amounts of space, or even the conversion to a meadow, will require large quantities of concrete curbing on islands to be removed.

Though we rarely think about it, Concrete curbing is an expectation of many urban and suburban dwellers. To carefully contain nature inside its limits, to keep soil from the roadways, to provide drainage, and keep cars off of sidewalks, concrete curbing does the job. Yet vehicles, snow plows, salt, and other factors contribute to its inevitable demise- often within 20 years of installation. So what can be done with the curbing? Reuse? Not likely, much of it breaks apart during removal, and it often contains reinforcing. Recycling? It is possible. More on that as I learn about it.

Here is an interesting article about what could be used instead of concrete curbing:
http://www.ncgranite.com/LifecycleCostComparison.pdf

But for so many applications beyond high traffic roads, this country girl doesn't understand curbing. It feels like a fence, keeping us from what's inside. A sterile means of protecting us from....dirt?