This participatory process, promoted by the Municipality of Santa Coloma de Cervelló, was developed to collectively define the design and management criteria for the new dog recreation area, in response to the need to relocate the existing one.

The process was structured in three phases: an initial public information session, two participatory workshops (one focused on design and the other on management and coexistence), and a final feedback session. This structure allowed for the combination of clear institutional communication from the Municipality and Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB) with active listening and proposals from local residents and community organizations.

The workshops identified specific needs such as creating two separate zones for different dog sizes, ensuring universal accessibility, increasing vegetation and shaded areas, incorporating safe and durable urban furniture, and setting hygiene and maintenance standards. A shared use agreement was established, and coexistence mechanisms like monitoring committees and conflict resolution protocols were proposed.

Dog recreation areas are more than just functional spaces: they are everyday meeting points that foster social interaction between people and animals. When well-designed and well-managed, they promote community bonding, mutual care, and respectful coexistence. Recognizing this social value is essential for building more inclusive and caring cities.

This project highlights the importance of civic engagement in shaping public spaces and shows how participatory processes can be powerful tools for fostering coexistence and shared urban responsibility.