Invitation to Quote – Community Engagement in the Design of Inclusive, Safe, and Welcoming Parks and Open Spaces

Active Partners Trust is seeking to appoint an organisation or individual to provide support in our work with High Peak Borough Council around the creation of spaces that are inclusive, safe, and inviting to the whole community, with a strong emphasis on physical accessibility. The work will integrate meaningful community engagement with the design and installation of new play and physical activity hubs. Active Derbyshire has developed a framework for ‘Creating Safe, Active and Inclusive Open Spaces’ and working with High Peak Borough Council to apply this framework to two parks in Buxton and Glossop. It will build on insights that highlight the importance of clear signage, mapping, and communication, as identified in the High Peak Walk Derbyshire Community Engagement study. The initial focus will be on Ashwood Park (Buxton) and Manor Park (Glossop), considering not only how people use these spaces but also how they travel to and around them, how they perceive park infrastructure, and their sense of safety. This project will generate valuable insights to inform a framework for future outdoor physical activity hubs across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. With a commitment to co-production and co-design, particular attention will be given to engaging: • Girls and women • Older adults • People living with long-term health conditions and/or disabilities A creative approach to engagement and design is encouraged, ensuring that innovative ideas and diverse perspectives shape the final outcomes. A strong understanding of behaviour change principles is essential to ensure that proposed solutions effectively encourage long-term, sustainable use of these spaces. The successful individual or organisation will collaborate closely with HPBC and Active Derbyshire and an appointed play/sports facility designer to: 1. Engage with the Community: o Understand how local people value their parks and open spaces. o Identify current barriers to usage. o Explore community aspirations for these spaces. o Determine the level of community involvement in the development process. 2. Assess Physical Inclusivity Measures: o Identify key infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility and usability. o Explore opportunities for well-placed rest areas and social spaces. o Develop signage and wayfinding solutions that improve navigation and encourage engagement. 3. Project Management: o Document and analyse insights gathered from the community. o Collaborate with play equipment designers, suppliers, and landscape architects. o Provide regular progress updates to project partners. The final report will include: • A summary of key findings from community engagement. • Documentation of observations and learnings from the project. • Identification of emerging priorities, patterns, and trends. • Analysis of knowledge gaps and areas for further exploration. • Co-designed options for play/physical activity hubs. • Recommendations for physical inclusivity improvements. • A comprehensive final report and summary outlining key learning, proposed options, and recommendations for future development. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals and organisations with experience in community engagement, inclusive design, and public space redevelopment. A creative approach to engagement and solution development will be highly valued, alongside a strong understanding of behaviour change to ensure sustainable impact. Please outline your relevant expertise, proposed approach, and anticipated timelines in your submission Quotations should be submitted by 9.00am on Thursday 24th April, 2025, via email to stuart.batchelor@activepartnerstrust.org.uk Further details can be found in the Invitation to Quote available to download below.