We would like to develop our allotment site to make it more inclusive for all, but In particular individuals with disabilities. To do this we need to make the entrance to our site more accessible for people with limited mobility. At the moment our entrance limits this.
We hope to revamp our entrance to include better pathways and seating areas to allow the community safer access to our hall and gardens. This will enable us to provide educational workshops and community activities.
Description
Local priority: - Improve community facilities to support wider range of projects
We propose developing a community garden within our existing allotment space to significantly enhance community wellbeing, foster social cohesion, and rejuvenate an underutilised area. This initiative directly addresses local priorities by offering inclusive, accessible outdoor spaces that promote physical health, mental wellness, and environmental sustainability.
The garden will provide dedicated spaces for community members, including accessible areas specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. We will install raised beds, pathways suitable for wheelchairs, sensory garden elements, and seating areas to ensure broad accessibility and usability. Moreover, sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting systems and compost bins, will be integrated to promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices within our community.
Residents have highlighted the demand for safe, communal spaces that enable outdoor activities and community engagement. This garden will serve as a vital communal hub, offering structured activities such as gardening workshops thus enriching community interactions and social ties.
The anticipated outcomes of this project include enhanced community resilience, increased physical activity, improved mental health, and heightened community spirit. It will contribute to local sustainability objectives by promoting biodiversity and sustainable practices. Additionally, the garden will provide opportunities for education and skill-building around gardening, environmental care, and healthy lifestyles.
By developing this community garden, we seek not only to transform an underused plot but also to establish a lasting asset that fosters community pride, wellbeing, and sustainability. This aligns directly with Dundee City Council’s objectives of improving local environments and building resilient, inclusive communities, ensuring long-term positive impacts across the neighbourhood.
With better access to the site we can offer more activities within our campus and hold more open days to raise the awareness of our allotments and foster better relationships within the local community. Hopefully encouraging local people to develop the skills around gardening which can be used within the allotments and in their own gardens and the wider community.
We see that with better access we can develop our plots to be more user friendly for wheelchair users encouraging participants to be included in a gardening community.
The benefits of safer access will not only enhance our site but will encourage inclusion for all.
The need for the community garden at our allotments has been clearly established through direct consultations and engagement with local councillors, community stakeholders, and consultancy support. This has highlighted significant local interest and demand for enhanced green spaces that actively support physical and mental health, community cohesion, and inclusivity.
Initial conversations with local councillors revealed consistent feedback from constituents about the lack of accessible community facilities that foster wellbeing, especially in the densely populated Coldside area of Dundee. Councillors emphasised the importance of utilising existing community assets, such as allotments, to promote health and social integration, reinforcing the necessity of our proposed garden.
Additionally, a specialist consultant engaged by our Association undertook structured stakeholder engagement, notably with representatives from NHS Tayside. This identified significant local health inequalities and an need for community interventions promoting preventative health measures, mental health support, and active lifestyles. NHS Tayside representatives particularly noted the role community gardening initiatives play in addressing isolation, depression, and physical inactivity, supporting our strategic alignment with broader local health priorities.
We have proven commitment to promoting community wellbeing and enhancing local green spaces. Since achieving charitable status (SC054265), we've undertaken extensive engagement, hosting numerous fundraising and community awareness events. This demonstrates not only our active role in community development but also our capability and commitment to delivering sustainable projects. Importantly, the proposed community garden will be accessible to all, offering specially designed spaces for those with disabilities and mobility issues. This inclusivity directly responds to community feedback about the lack of accessible, therapeutic green spaces. Furthermore, educational workshops, gardening activities, and intergenerational events will foster social cohesion, helping to build stronger community relationships.
Funding from the Neighbourhood Capital Fund will significantly advance our goals, enabling immediate enhancements and lasting improvements that resonate deeply with community needs. By investing in this initiative, Dundee City Council will help secure lasting positive outcomes for the neighbourhood - transforming our space into a cornerstone of community wellbeing, pride, and sustainability.
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