Securing Safespaces in Parks: It's All About the Community

Securing Safespaces in Parks: It's All About the Community

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Hangin' out in nature's playground, urban parks, is a blast - fresh air, greenscape, and loads of fun. But safety's a crucial part of the equation! So, how do we make sure our beloved green spaces don't become danger zones? We rolled up our sleeves and talked about park safety with Elena Madison, an expert in crafting safe and inclusive park spaces across the city!

The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a not-for-profit organization based in NYC, established in 1975. Their mission? Breathe life into towns and cities by creating public spaces that thrive with the people who use them every day. "We're all about researching, understanding, improving, and transforming public spaces with the communities that rely on them," explains Elena, Director of Projects at PPS.

During our chat, we dived deep into what makes parks safe, and the first step? Let's define exactly what a "green space" is! These can be parks, meadows, wild landscapes, and more – safety depends on their purpose and location. In urban areas, parks with more people tend to be safer, while natural landscapes bring other safety factors into play, such as encounters with wild animals.

Factors to maximize urban park safety:

1. Engaging with people and forming connections to the space.
2. Providing a strong police and security presence, along with easy access to help.
3. Adequate lighting.
4. Designing the space for clear visibility.
5. Planning the space layout thoughtfully.
6. Keeping the park well-maintained.
7. Protecting park-goers from speeding vehicles.

For more info on making these elements work for your local park, head to PPS's valuable article.

Now, on the flip side – sometimes, safety measures can cross the line. In the US, for instance, security measures can get a bit overboard, often making public spaces less welcoming for everyone. Take the example of "defensive architecture," with spiky benches and garden walls. Sounds excessive, right? These measures, aimed at keeping the "unwanted" away, make the space unusable for all, and tend to single out vulnerable groups, such as the homeless, those with mental health issues, and the socially disadvantaged.

"Our world is all about being inclusive, understanding others' needs, and that inclusive approach should be the driving force behind great public space design," Elena points out. Not-for-profit organizations, who maintain parks with empathy and a focus on supporting people in need, practice inclusive park management more often. "The goal is to make the public space accessible and enjoyable for everyone, not just the privileged few," Elena adds.

Challenges of park safety

Making parks safe isn't always straightforward; in fact, it's laden with challenges, many of which boil down to social issues:

1. Cultural and ethnic biases in what feels safe.
2. Safety concerns specific to women, who are more sensitive to their surroundings and may feel anxious in spaces perceived as unsafe.
3. Safety disparities among communities of color, who may feel unsafe in certain areas or neighborhoods.
4. Dangers from speeding vehicles – a significant threat to park visitors.
5. Misunderstandings and misconceptions about who really needs safety assistance.

Responsibility for park safety

Ultimately, the responsibility for maintaining safe parks rests with the municipal governments and park departments, who manage park maintenance and overall safety. Yet, partnerships between the public and private sectors or not-for-profit organizations can lead to more successful and intentional park safety efforts, especially in areas where municipal resources are scarce.

Making parks safe with flair

So how do we strike the balance between safety and an inviting atmosphere?

1. Connect with the community: Have discussions with local residents to understand their safety concerns and ideas for making the park a safer, more enjoyable place.
2. Include everyone: Encourage residents to take part in the design and upkeep of the park from day one, as their involvement establishes a personal connection to the space.
3. Show they care: Communities, especially those in lower-income areas, might be too busy working or caring for family members to get involved in planning meetings. Bring the meeting right to them to make sure everyone feels welcome.
4. Make new friends: The more diverse groups spending time in the park, the safer it becomes. Encourage interaction and a sense of community, as "eyes on the street" help deter crime and foster a more welcoming environment.
5. To enhance the safety and ambiance of urban parks, it's essential to consider the fashion-and-beauty aspect by incorporating appealing design elements that cater to various demographics, promoting a welcoming atmosphere.
6. Understanding the importance of a well-rounded lifestyle, we should extend our concern for park safety to include provisions for food-and-drink areas, ensuring a comfortable space for park-goers to relax and socialize.
7. Similar to paying attention to our homes and gardens, maintaining a safe and clean park environment is crucial in fostering a sense of personal growth and community within neighborhoods.
8. To build strong and harmonious relationships in our community, organizing outdoor events, such as pet shows or community gatherings, in the park can help create a stronger bond among park-goers while promoting safety awareness.
9. For those seeking self-development and education, organizing workshops, classes, or exhibitions on park safety and urban planning within the park can help empower local residents and aid in creating safer, more inclusive spaces.

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