Develop the Keswick Terrace Greenspace into a community space for all ages as a social and leisure meeting space. Plans are in place to develop the area in stages and the installation of a free-to-access WiFi hub will supplement the area designed for older young people that has recently benefited from the installation of a free-to-access WiFi hub will supplement the area designed for older young people that has recently benefited from the installation of a MUGA, benches and tables.
Description
Local Priority - Improve outdoor spaces
Development of greenspace at Keswick Terrace for the whole Kirkton community to access and feel safe using. We are asking for funding to install a Wi-Fi/DJ hub that young people can access and use as an area to meet friends in a safe and open environment. This resource will complement the current and future work planned for the greenspace where we have been able to fund the installation of a MUGA with floodlights as well as extra seating and other equipment. A new youth shelter has been purchased and is waiting to be installed. The Wi-Fi/DJ hub will provide young people with the opportunity to meet with friends in this area and be able to connect with friends and family while they are in a safe space. This will limit the need for young people to travelling within in the area and across the city and as a result contribute to the lowering of potential anti-social behaviour occurrences in Kirkton and elsewhere in the city. This project will contribute to Strathmartine Local Community Plan priorities as it will:
- Improve outdoor spaces
- Create safe outdoor and indoor spaces for young people
Strathmartine Community Empowerment Team has been working in partnership with DCC Environment Team and local community group Kirkton Partnership to engage with local people to share the hopes for the greenspace and to get their thoughts on what should be installed on the space that will benefit them and their community. This has resulted in information and feedback from more than 200 local people from sessions at local nurseries, primary & secondary schools, youth clubs, sheltered housing complex, family groups and Girl Guides. We also conducted an online Microsoft Forms questionnaire that resulted in 54 completed returns. In addition, the worker with Planet Youth has consulted with 1400 Strathmartine based young people since 2022 with many sharing concerns around safety and lack of resources in the Kirkton community that they would be attracted to. Findings from Planet Youth Data tells us that young people have reported:
- There are low levels of physical activity and sport participation
- There are low levels of activities in the community
- High screen time
- Low levels of community support and action
- Low levels of feeling safe in the community
- Self-reported low mental health
This funding would allow us to provide a safe space where physical activity can take place. A focal point where young people can socialise and develop important social skills. Young people stated numerous times that having access to local free Wi-Fi would be a positive addition to the greenspace and see them spend more time outdoors meeting up with friends as a result of it being installed.
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