The 21st Century Parks project involves partners in the UK and Flanders working together to solve the common issue of designing better public open spaces and exploring joint approaches to the subject. In the same way the two authorities will work together to provide the best solutions to provide contemporary, attractive open spaces, so we must also work together to ensure messages about the projec
t are clear, concise and easily understood. C21P brings together two partners, Rother District Council and Ostend City Council, which both recognise the important contribution made by open spaces and parks to the quality of life in their respective areas. The partners share a common aspiration to create appealing open spaces that will better serve local communities in the future and are increasingly sustainable. They face similar challenges caused by significant increases in population due to tourist traffic during the summer season. This results in variable demand over the year for recreational resources provided by green spaces. The mutual exchange and learning planned for C21P will result in enhanced public spaces that bring benefit to residents and visitors and revitalise the target areas. The good practices and lessons learned will have direct relevance and transferability to other coastal towns, and will be disseminated widely beyond the partnership. With large-scale projects being undertaken by partners in different countries, the potential exists for miscommunication, but by using this guidance and the spirit of partnership working, good communications work will be the more likely scenario. This will lead to strong, positive PR for the partners and the helping to ensure the success of the 21st Century Parks scheme.
