Building a Culture of Participation - Parks & Open Spaces Development

Council recognise the importance of community participation and engagement in building a shared vision for the development of its green space. Through the Park & Open Spaces Strategy, the important role community play in the social, environmental and economic regeneration of their area is widely acknowledged. The process of engagement with the local community aims to build ownership through highlighting the important contribution green spaces makes to the urban renaissance and quality of life agenda.

Council employs a three-tier consultation strategy for all its park and open spaces developments. Stage one, involves the design, delivery and collection of questionnaires in partnership with the local community. Analysis of the information gathered, presents Council with baseline information and on population dynamics and offers suggestions for improvements in informing the design process. In tandem, stage two of the process involves contact communication with stakeholders to elicit their needs and aspirations in the regeneration of their green space. The final stage three of the process is the presentation of plans to the local community in an open forum. The master plan is based on good design practice and information extracted from stage one and two of the process as previously outlined. Examples of such consultations are Bull Park, Brooke Park and Riverview Park.

The engagement of the local community is enshrined in Councils philosophy for developing its park, green space and greenways. Council aims to meet the needs and aspirations of its local community through building a genuine partnership of participation, use and enjoyment of its parks and open spaces eg Friends Groups.

Council in partnership with the Community have supported 4 recently completed parks/play areas through providing financial assistance to launch each initiative in celebrating the completion of these schemes.