Collaborative Planning for Community-Specific Public Spaces Projects

Collaborative activities are used throughout a one-day workshop to identify best practices for improving public spaces to start the Enhancing process. An emphasis is placed on forming partnerships to achieve desired community goals. Purdue Extension facilitators walk participants through the process of:

• Collecting data on community assets;
• Planning improvements to public areas; and
• Integrating those plans with larger community programs and goals.

Facilitators give participants the tools to design, implement and evaluate community-specific public spaces projects. A companion Indiana-based curriculum connects decision-makers with additional how-to resources. Follow-up working group meetings provide the resources and technical support needed to plan and implement projects tailored to individual communities.

The Enhancing facilitation process can take approximately 15-20 hours (or more) over three to six months. The program combines data collection and analysis with inclusive public deliberation to guide the design of a high-quality action plan that can result in sustainable and impactful improvements for public spaces and, ultimately, an enhanced quality of life.

program outcomes

Complete, high-quality action plans for public spaces can be used in a multitude of ways, including:

• comprehensive plan updates;
• fundraising initiatives;
• parks and recreation master plan updates; and
• other community planning efforts for parks and public spaces.

format

The program provides a framework for collecting data on community assets and using that data to design high-quality plans that guide meaningful, sustainable improvements to public spaces.

A one-day workshop starts the process, with collaborative activities to identify best practices for improving public spaces and an emphasis on forming partnerships to achieve community sustainability goals.

Follow-up working group meetings facilitated by Purdue Extension provide necessary resources and technical support to plan and implement projects tailored to individual communities.

Target Audiences

This program is designed to engage decision-makers and local leaders, including parks boards and plan commission members, public officials and their staff, and members of organizations that provide services, programs, or management of public spaces.

To learn more, contact a member of the team listed below. We will connect you with your local county Extension office to develop a program that fits your planning needs.

• Curriculum
• Program Flyer
• Seven Types of Community Capitals
• Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces Flyer

program outcomes

The goal is to strategically guide policy, systems, and environmental changes relevant to the ways in which high-value public spaces promote healthy communities. As a result, communities that are prepared with a public spaces action plan can boost economic development, improve the quality of life, and create a healthier place for individuals and families.

The program combines data collection and analysis with inclusive public deliberation to design high-quality action plans toward meaningful, sustainable improvements for public spaces focused on community health.

Using a science-driven, participatory approach, this curriculum includes applications of community design coupled with information resources, case studies, and strategies to enhance food access and active living through community-based programs and improvements to public spaces.

format

Creating Healthy Communities was developed by a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team of Purdue Extension professionals from:

• Health and Human Sciences
• The Nutrition Education Program
• Community Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Target Audiences

Our Indiana-based curriculum is designed for use by decision-makers and local leaders who have oversight and management of community public spaces, such as:

• Parks boards and planning commission members
• Public officials and their staff
• Members of organizations whose missions relate to services, programs, or management of public spaces

Daniel Walker, AICP, Community Development Regional Educator
walke422@purdue.edu 
Purdue Extension, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces Flyer