Local resident’s input is key to creating a successful, sustainable space for the whole community.
At Proludic we believe strongly that the beneficiaries of a play space have the right to participate in the design process. This ensures that as a play company we can provide the local community with exactly what they need whilst ensuring we provide the best service possible.
As part of Proludic’s customer service we are actively involved in the consultation process. Very recently we helped organise an event in Oxfordshire as part of an ongoing large project for the area.
When organising an event such as this, it is vital to attract the key target group. For the project in Oxfordshire we sought feedback from the 8 – 13 age group, through an organised “Wii Championship”. We knew that this event, would attract the key age group, and many parents would also attended. Drawn by the possibility of retail voucher prizes, we hoped that attendance would be high. We could consult with a maximum number of people on the proposed designs.
We decked the village hall with images of the play area design and proposed equipment, set up a laptop with video of the equipment in action, and of course the all important Wii console!
We developed a number of different ways to record people’s opinions, including, “Design your own BMX track”, Graffiti wall and Parent Questionnaires. The event was advertised in the Parish Magazine, fliers in windows, and word of mouth.
The response to the event was fantastic; over 30 children attended the session. Both children and parents were eager to inspect the designs and share their opinions and comments. We came away from the event with vital feedback for the designers, and the Parish Council. The information received will be used specifically in the funding application for the play area, and will directly help in the realisation of the project. More than that, everyone involved had a fantastic afternoon.
When looking to secure funding for a play area public consultation is key to the application process. It is evidence of the need in the community.
There are many ways to arrange a consultation event; ideas include, visiting parent and toddler groups, school, social clubs and arranging a social activity, such as a sport or DJ event. Ways of collating the data received can vary as widely as post-it-notes, to a dedicated website.
Proludic have developed a detailed guide to consultation, for your own copy, please contact on 0115 982 3980 |
