Make Space for Girls

UK organisation ‘Make Space for Girls’ campaigns to address gender imbalance in park designs, in favour of teenage girls. Often overlooked, teenage girls sometimes feel the average park doesn’t cater for them. Skate ramps, pump tracks and sports ovals are the preferred choice for boys, but what about teenage girls? 

The organisation asks girls aged from 12 to 18 what they want in a park. Their stories and ideas are shared with policy makers and councils in the UK to enact change, making parks more welcoming, safe and inclusive.

A recent LinkedIn post highlighted Frederick Adventure Playground in the London Borough of Southwark, re-designed by Root and Erect to create a park that’s equally welcoming to both boys and girls. The design was inspired by research from Make Space for Girls. High, obstructive fencing was removed to open up the space, allowing for more ways to access the park and increasing visibility. The neighbouring estate provides passive surveillance, increasing safety.

Zones were created so one activity wouldn’t dominate the area. Orange planters and railings create a clear route through the park and connect the different zones in a subtle way. The boulders, logs and plants give the park a soft woodland feel.

Einsiedler Park in Vienna, Austria is another example. Extra lighting was provided, footpaths widened and entrances increased. More seating was added to the playground for teenagers to sit and talk while watching their younger siblings. Hammocks and platforms provided inviting areas to hangout.

For resources on designing parks with teenage girls in mind, see the Make Space for Girls website.