21st Century Parks

C21P wishes to increase attractiveness and quality of life in towns and cities in the 2 Seas area by exploring and bringing to life the concept of ‘21st century parks’. Both partners recognise the important contribution made by open spaces and parks to the quality of life in their respective areas. They face similar challenges caused by significant increases in population due to tourist traffic during the summer season and share a common aspiration to create appealing and sustainable open spaces for local communities. The good practices and lessons learned will have direct relevance and transferability to other coastal towns. To achieve their results, partners will explore ideas of 21st Century parks and open spaces, and the diverse potential for users and uses of these spaces. They will then work on innovative design plans, and involve the users in the process. The pilots will then enable some of the plans to be evaluated in view of producing recommendations and a good practice guide on 21st century open space design.

What are the key results of the project? - 3 workshops focusing on concept, design, maintenance and sustainability of public green spaces - Opportunities provided for university students to feed into project concept and design. - Students at Hogeschool Gent presented their designs and plans to a wider audience of experts. - Student work will feed into the published C21P Best Practice Guide and the Final Conference taking place in April 2013. - Concept and design for the Egerton Park Childrens Garden and Sensory Garden has widened to reflect aspirations of participants and expert panels. - Commissioning for conceptual green designs have begun which will result in the Children's Garden Playzone launch at the Park in August 2012. Camber Supplementary Planning Document and MasterPlan - Concept and design for all 6 projects has taken place and we are at the consultation and stage. - K253Implementation of pilot activities will be published during the summer/autumn of 2012. Are all partners and territories benefitting from the results? Target groups: The partner organisations directly involved in the project implementation. These include other local authority planning and regeneration, landscape architects and park development officers. Students of landscape architecture, planning (or similar subjects). Final Beneficiaries: Residents and visitors to the partner areas, specific user groups that may otherwise be marginalised such as visually impaired, disabled users and young children. Businesses. Benefits to territory: Residents and visitors will benefit from a programme of activities to draw them into open spaces. Overall better use of public space at all six project sites in particular for elderly, young children and young people, and marginalised groups such as visually impaired and disabled users. Businesses in the partner areas will be more able to recruit and retain good staff if the quality of life improves. Better connections and interlinkage for residents, visitors and businesses. At Rother, improved family activities and perception of the connection between the park, seafront and Bexhill Town centre. At Camber, better walking, cycling and access to seafront and facilities such as beach sports. Ensor Park North & South: opening up of derelict land, safer environment for the user. Emerald Necklace: linking the Groen Lint route with interactive stopping points surrounding the City will result in variety of landscapes becoming accessible to the user. What are the effects / outcomes for the territories involved? ECONOMIC: Improved attractiveness of the area to attract & retain workers, their families, businesses and investment, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development. As the OP states, reinforcing quality of life is an essential “building block” for regeneration and competitiveness. CULTURAL: Open spaces and parks provide a hub for cultural exchange through art, sculpture, events, exhibitions; HEALTH: General improvement of health and well being, quality of life, better resources, and enjoyment of the outdoors in urban areas. This provides a forum for exercise, leisure pursuits, fresh air, allowing healthier and more active lifestyles; SOCIAL COHESION: They are a common and free resource, bringing together all generations of people, facilitating social interaction & community safety.