The approach was cooperative, inclusive, and holistic. It brought together municipal authorities, public services, neighborhood organizations, and residents. It supported the sustainable and equitable use of public land, the rational use of energy, and—crucially—encouraged cooperation over consultation, by giving residents a central role throughout the process.

A range of tools and participatory methods were developed to understand everyday realities and needs, with a particular focus on creating safe spaces for dialogue. Residents were invited to engage through memory-sharing sessions, project-based learning activities, and collective walks to the football field. A strong emphasis was placed on intergenerational and intercultural dialogue, play-based activities that incorporated children’s and youth perspectives, and the inclusion of expert sessions on social economy, inclusive sports, and care work.

The process also acknowledged the importance of family reconciliation, organizing activities at accessible times, offering childcare during sessions, and ensuring that caregiving responsibilities—most often shouldered by women—were not a barrier to participation. In doing so, the project challenged existing inequalities in who gets to participate in public life and decision-making.

The outcome is a preliminary masterplan for a multifunctional park, reflecting the ideas and experiences of the community. It proposes spatial, social, environmental, and mobility strategies that are inclusive, safe, and responsive to diverse needs. By embedding gender and cultural perspectives into the design, the project ensures the future park is welcoming and usable by all—from young children to elders, from long-time residents to newcomers.

The participatory process activated a strong sense of ownership. Residents of all ages and backgrounds not only contributed to the co-design phase but are also key to the future implementation and use of the space. This collective engagement fosters pride, connectedness, and reduces vandalism by nurturing shared responsibility and care for the common good.

The project was awarded the AJAC Prize in the category of Participatory Processes during the AJAC XII Awards for projects carried out during the 2018–2020 biennium.