3.14 External Social Spaces

External social spaces provide safe locations for people to meet and get fresh air. They are important to encourage intergenerational relationships by creating opportunities for incidental meets. Such spaces are embedded throughout the masterplan and integrated with the broader Crichton Quarter

A strong driver of the landscape strategy is to seek ways to encourage frequent social moments, with shared refuse stores, cycle storage and shared gardens, community growing spaces, seating areas and linking paths.

It is important that in the design of external social spaces consideration is given to the varied needs of a diverse and intergenerational community, so these spaces can be enjoyed by all.

For example;

• To help create a dementia and autism friendly environment, it is important to have recognisable and describable meeting points.

• The location and shape of seating structures is important; a good seating arrangement can help encourage face-to-face dialogue.

• Space for teens to be out of the house, in the fresh air and interacting with their peers in a safe and supportive environment will help build open and healthy communities.

• Ensuring that benches are located regularly on key paths will allow for those who may need to rest more often on walks

A play strategy for Ladyfield should have a larger “destination” play space in the northern third of the site. This gives a local play space, which can be enjoyed by Ladyfield residents, as well as those coming from across Dumfries and elsewhere.

Outdoor play is a great way to get exercise and form social bonds. The Ladyfield landscape should incorporate play areas, safe lanes which prioritise people and playful elements next to key walking or cycling routes. “Play-on-the-way” which features balancing and hopping opportunities near key pedestrian routes is helpful to encourage residents to embrace a more active lifestyle and could work well with the primary school nearby, whilst providing a safer alternative to the surrounding busy road network. These interventions will be low-key and of a natural quality.

Closer to homes, play areas can be more structured and provide simple play for younger children, as well as being places for young people of all ages to hang out with good passive surveillance. Play space provision should be provided for all ages. Consideration should be given to inclusive and accessible design for all.

Planting associated with the play spaces is key to ensuring that they are rich and dynamic. Seasonal change provides the opportunity for nature to be a part of the play offering.