Brussels Environment entrusted 21 Solutions with the design and implementation of a civic engagement process in connection with the redevelopment of the play areas in Roi Baudouin Park with the Municipality of Jette. The site, which is a huge complex of woods, meadows, wetland areas, parks and ponds located to the north-west of Brussels, extends over nearly 100 hectares. The play areas were antiquated and unenticing. The inclusion in the Brussels Environment Playground Asset Depreciation Plan of the redevelopment of certain parts of the park provided an opportunity to rethink these areas in a participatory manner.
After preparing an inventory of the playground, 21 Solutions and non-profit partners Coren and Biloba set up a process of information provision and public participation in the definition of the project, so as to ensure that the new playground would respond to the true needs of users, whatever their age, and of local residents; the process was designed to provide input for a realistic development plan that complied with safety standards and was adapted to the target groups’ needs.
This work was done in close collaboration with BUUR, the consultancy responsible for the technical part of the project (the development of a draft and final redevelopment plan), and today this playground is often cited as exemplary by families.