5-10 MINUTE READS
Get Up To Speed
Bringing together learnings from strands of its broader Rethinking Parks programme, this overview by Nesta provides a clear narrative on the value of true community projects and warns against the “tokenistic”. A snappy introduction to the key challenges and opportunities facing projects that help people shape ideas about their local green spaces.
Combined Choice: A New Approach To Community Engagement ➝
An article by Jon Nash reflecting on the status of community engagement post-pandemic, with particular attention to calls for greater levels of citizen participation. A brief but thought-provoking read.
Street Parks Program ➝
An overview of a community-led parks programme based in San Francisco in partnership with Public Works. A little further afield, but well worth a look for anyone on the hunt for some community-based inspiration.
Watch this…
How do we reduce physical, psychological and social barriers and create thriving, busy green spaces that are truly welcoming for all? (50 mins)
Green spaces have been shown to significantly improve children’s physical health and their mental and emotional wellbeing. How are local authorities, with their partners and collaborators, bringing the next generation — from 2 to 22 — into green spaces? (47 mins)
Green infrastructure only comes alive when communities are at its heart. Professor Donna Hall, CBE talked about the meaning of community participation, contextualising why it is particularly important right now. (13 mins)
10-30 MINUTE READS
Dive Deeper
Garden City Standards for the 21st Century: Practical Guides For Creating Communities ➝
The Town and Country Planning Association has created a platform of resources as a means to provide guidance for individuals and organisations keen to create Garden Cities. Well written with plenty of research papers to get lost in.
Community Paradigm: New Local Advocates For A New Way For Local Government To Work With Local People And Organisations ➝
The think tank outlines five routes to transform communities, in a framework designed to help public bodies think broadly about collaboration.
My Community ➝
A hub of resources to help individuals and groups manage and shape their parks and green spaces. Keep an eye out for the business plan template, which should save a lot of time for many.
Parks Community ➝
An online network and bank of resources for all “Friends of parks”, which looks at how communities can be empowered and supported in the management of green spaces in the UK. A practical starting point for projects starting out, complete with case studies.
Combined Choice: A Modern Method Of Democratic Decision Making ➝
Considering whether democracy still works in today’s society is no small feat, but this thought-provoking proposal for democratic reform by the established think tank is well worth a read.
Rethinking Parks: Exploring New Business Models For Parks In The 21st Century ➝
This report was written in conjunction with the launch of the Rethinking Parks project, which was led by Nesta, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund (BLF). It is a useful benchmark of research into the diversity of parks in the UK and the models being explored to best manage them.
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