Rethinking participation: a framework for creative engagement in urban greenspace

Walker, S (2025) Rethinking participation: a framework for creative engagement in urban greenspace. Local Environment. pp. 1-22. ISSN 1354-9839

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Abstract

Urban greenspaces are crucial for sustainable urban development, yet engaging communities effectively with decision-making in these spaces remains a challenge. This paper introduces a Creative Engagement Framework (CEF), developed to enhance participation in urban greenspace governance through a co-production approach. Community engagement, therefore, serves both as an instrumental approach to achieving deeper collaborative governance outcomes and as an intrinsic goal in building stronger community connections. The research utilised qualitative methods, including interviews and case studies, to identify and integrate the key drivers of engagement, summarised by the acronym MASCO: Motivation, Access, Support, Communication and Openness. The framework was tested across diverse organisational contexts within Manchester, revealing that tailored engagement strategies, when aligned with the MASCO drivers, can significantly improve the quality and sustainability of public engagement. Results indicate that while traditional methods often fall short, the CEF offers a practical, adaptable approach to fostering meaningful and informed community involvement. This study not only highlights the gaps in current engagement practices but also demonstrates the potential of creative, co-produced engagement strategies to enhance decision-making and governance in urban greenspaces. The implications of these findings suggest a paradigm shift towards more dynamic, participatory approaches in urban planning and policy-making.