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A Community-Led Project for Teenage Girls in Rowntree Park
In May 2024, an area co-designed with teenage girls was created in Rowntree Park,
York. The first of its kind in the UK, this unique initiative highlights the power of
grassroots action in making public spaces more inclusive. Anyone can make a
difference.
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Listening to Teenage Girls
The project was initiated by Abigail Gaines of the Friends of Rowntree Park, inspired
by Make Space for Girls’ advocacy, highlighting that parks are not typically designed
with teenage girls in mind. Through surveys, focus groups, and observations, local
teenage girls shared their experiences and ideas, shaping the vision for the new
space.
It became clear that the existing park facilities did not meet their needs. While there
were spaces labelled ‘for teenagers,’ such as the skatepark and basketball courts,
many girls didn’t feel comfortable using them. Similarly, the fenced-in play area felt
like it was meant for younger children, leading to concerns about judgment from
parents. What they really wanted was a space to ‘play’ on their own terms—whether
that meant walking, talking, sitting, climbing, or simply spending time with friends.
Many also expressed a desire to be up high and requested features that allowed for
climbing and hanging out together, and being able to view their surroundings.
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Designing and Funding the Space
With £15,000 raised through grants and community fundraising, the project brought
some of the girls’ top requests to life. Key features include:
- A communal swing
- Climbing logs (‘loggy-sitty things,’ as the girls described them!)
- Picnic benches and seating
Since Rowntree Park is prone to flooding, additional considerations were needed to
ensure durability. Natural materials were chosen, both for aesthetic appeal and
comfort (as the girls pointed out, they’re ‘warmer on your bottom’). In addition, a
small wildflower path is being created near the space, reflecting the girls’ desire for a
‘relaxing’ and ‘calm’ environment. The project is ongoing, with continued fundraising efforts aimed at adding more
climbing logs, increasing height options, and potentially installing a shelter so the
space can be used year-round.
A Positive Impact for All
A celebration event was held in May 2024 to mark the official opening of the space,
attended by local teenage girls and councillors. The impact has already been
profound - not just for teenage girls but for the entire community. What was once an
underused patch of grass is now a vibrant gathering spot for people of all ages, it's
an inclusive space and all are welcome.
“Me and my friends come here. We know we are allowed to be here. In
the play park, you get side-eyed by parents, you know, disapproving
looks. But here, we know it’s for us.” Alice, 13
“I thought the days of pushing my girls on swings were over, but I just
spent a lovely 15 minutes, misty-eyed, pushing my 12- and 14-year-old
on a basket swing as they chatted and giggled. We are so lucky to have
this space.” Anna, parent
Beyond the Equipment
In addition to the physical space, the project has introduced events and activities
aimed at teenage girls.
- Wild Ones, a nature-based youth group, has run in the park’s woodland for
the past three years.
- The ‘Make Space’ Festival, first held in 2023, provides a variety of free
events for teenage girls, including sports, arts, performing arts, photography,
and social awareness activities. The festival was such a success that it has
become an annual event, earning the first-ever Green Flag award for ‘Best
Initiative to Increase Park Use by Women and Girls.’
A Model for Other Communities
This project demonstrates how a community-driven initiative can make a real
difference. By giving teenage girls a voice and a space of their own, Rowntree Park
has created a more inclusive environment where girls feel welcomed and valued.
And this is just the beginning- continued fundraising and engagement will help
expand and enhance the space even further, and ideas and elements of the project
are being spread to other York parks.
The Rowntree Park’s initiative is an example for other communities looking to create
spaces designed with teenage girls in mind.
More info www.rowntreepark.org.uk
