PROGRAMS
Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces Program
Optional short introduction goes here.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Public spaces play a vital role in all our lives. They are the paths we bike on, the public parks we play in, and the town centers where we shop. Decisions about how to design and manage these spaces can have long-term impacts on our communities social, economic and environmental health. The Purdue University Extension program, Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces, addresses public spaces and their role in enhancing the quality of place by helping regions, communities, and neighborhoods plan and prepare for a sustainable future.
The Indiana-based curriculum is designed for decision-makers and local leaders overseeing and managing community public spaces, such as parks boards and plan commission members, public officials and their staff, and members of organizations that provide services, programs, or management of public spaces. The program provides a framework for collecting data on community assets and using that data to design a high-quality plan to guide impactful improvements in public spaces.
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.
A completed high quality public spaces action plan that can be used to update:
- fundraising initiatives
- comprehensive planning efforts
- parks and recreation master plans
- downtown redevelopment projects
The program is offered by community request. Please contact a member of the team to discuss opportunities.
Program Impact
The Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces Program provides participants with a valuable opportunity to learn about placemaking and public space strategies while contributing to a shared vision for their community’s future. Participants reported gaining a deeper understanding of how communities can improve access to essential resources, with one individual noting that there are “many ways to improve people’s access to important resources like healthy food & lifestyle.” The program’s focus on strategy development resonated strongly with attendees, as 96% agreed or strongly agreed that these discussions were meaningful. Participants emphasized the value of collaboration and community engagement, with one respondent stating that “different voices can come together in meaningful ways to build community,” while another highlighted the “numerous ideas and opportunities available to use in the future.” Others reported learning more about “how to work with others to accomplish goals through networking.” Overall, respondents frequently cited teamwork, communication, and collaboration as key takeaways, describing the program as an important catalyst for community progress and future action.
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