Teenage girls often tell us they feel overlooked in the design of parks and green spaces, despite these areas being vital as free, accessible spaces for young people. We partnered with Make Space for Girls charity, The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) and the London Borough of Ealing to engage directly with local individuals who identified as young women aged 15-18 to reimagine what a local park – Wesley Playing Fields in Park Royal– that works well for teenage girls could be like.

Over the course of three workshops in Autumn 2024, we worked with eight young participants who live in Ealing to explore their relationship with public spaces. Together, we examined the barriers they face in using parks and identified changes that would make Wesley Playing Fields more welcoming and inclusive.
 

The young women shared thoughtful insights about their experiences, ultimately proposing creative ideas for a park that feels safe, inclusive, and tailored to diverse interests. Their recommendations highlight the importance of moving beyond traditional park features like skateparks and sports courts to include informal spaces for recreation, leisure, and connection.

This project aims to shape the design strategy for Wesley Playing Fields, helping architects, developers, and planners create a space that works better for teenage girls—and for the wider community.

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Read more about the young women's thoughts and proposals in our report below