To fulfil principle number 2, the needs of a target group were analyzed: Young adults will participate if there are safe activities for their children and if the time of the event fits around family life. On that basis the event was arranged on a Saturday, with activities for children while their parents were contributing to the park’s development issues in various ways. Families walked around the park between activity stations (e.g. pony riding, music, quiz). Adults marked locations for improvement on a large map, held brainstorming sessions about different future scenarios, and provided ideas for activities that could be arranged in the park. People got involved by writing, talking and drawing. At the end of the tour they could give their contact information if they wanted to receive a newsletter by email – an easy and commitment-free way to be part of local processes.
The event was a success! Lots of people participated and the spirit was inspiring. Many people gave their contact information for the newsletter. At the time of writing, the concrete improvements in the park are still in progress. Neighbourhood development processes often take a long time from planning to concrete actions. The focus since the park event has been on keeping people updated about the situation. In this case an event for providing feedback and thanking participants was arranged two months after the event in the park.
55