Sundparken – the placemaking of a youth place on the quay in Nykøbing Falster
About this good practice
Guldborgsund Municipality currently lacks a local gathering place that is not operated by the municipality and remains open beyond 4 pm. Young people in the area need space to hang out, meet others outside of school and organized activities, and initiate their own projects. There is also both an administrative and political focus on supporting attractive youth lives. Efforts are actively made to involve young people and give them a genuine voice in decision-making processes.
In the fall of 2023 VOLCANO, an external consultancy specialised in community placemaking, assisted the municipality in developing the concept for the building’s content and urban life in the area. VOLCANO and Guldborgsund Municipality facilitated a process in which a group of 16 young people aged 13 to 26, recruited through social media, educational institutions, and leisure interest, collaborated with architects to create designs and a vision for the outdoor area around the Market Hall in Nykøbing Falster. In addition, the young people received compensation for their involvement.
The youth panel should be considered key stakeholders, along with the architects who assisted the panel in creating drafts for their designs and visions. The main beneficiaries are the young people of Guldborgsund, who gain a welcoming space, along with the broader community enjoying improved waterfront access and revitalized public spaces. Citizens in general will also benefit, when the new program has been established.
Resources needed
To strengthen a new approach to youth engagement, funds were politically allocated to hire an external consultancy agency in the first fase. The expense for the external consultancy agency was approximately 53.618 euros.
Evidence of success
The development of Sundparken is successful due to its close collaboration with a dedicated youth panel that prioritizes local needs. Engaging 16 young people aged 13-26, who actively contributed through workshops and fields trips, fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the area around the Market Hall. The manifest helped gain a better understanding of the youth culture, atmosphere, and opportunities that the area should provide for young people in Guldborgsund.
Potential for learning or transfer
1) Youth Engagement and Ownership: This practice offers techniques for actively involving young people in planning processes, ensuring their needs are addressed from the start. It also fosters community engagement and brings insights into deigning programs.
2) Community Collaboration: This practice exemplifies effective collaboration with local stakeholders, including municipalities and the private sector (architects).
3) Peer-to-Peer Mechanisms: This practice highlights the importance of peer inspiration through field trips, workshops and brainstorming sessions.
4) Sustainable Design: This practice outlines strategies for creating environmentally friendly and sustainable public spaces that meet the actual needs of young people.
Further information
Good practice owner
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