Parks

Community Involvement

Photo: Project for Public Spaces, Inc.

Photo: Project for Public Spaces, Inc.

In order to thrive, parks need people - not just as users, but volunteers, advocates, stewards, strategizers, and idea-generators. Getting input from local residents, retailers, businesses, institutions, and others is essential.
  • Who Is "The Community"?

    Identifying the full range of stakeholders and potential constituencies for a park or public space is a tricky task. Here are some tips to help you round up more than "the usual suspects."

  • Engaging the Community

    Getting people to turn out for an event or meeting once isn't too difficult, but sustained involvement is one of the hardest tasks of a community organizer. Here are some ways and means to get and keep people involved.

  • Planning With the Community

    True community planning requires much more than passing a plan around at a few meetings to gain (or gauge) support. This section shows how to get the community involved in the planning process from the outset - ensuring that a park reflects the needs and desires of those who use it.

  • Volunteers

    Volunteers play an important, often crucial role in parks, helping to build community stewardship, support, and involvement. This section has information on recruiting, managing and rewarding volunteers - as well as materials for those who want to be volunteers.