I emailed Oxford city council PR and press person with a few quotes and some facts about what an impact this park had on the community. She said she would submit one more press release. I have seen nothing published.
I know there was press coverage from 2-3 local newspapers. They were OK, positive and keen to show exactly how much the park cost and where the money came from. But no one highlighted just what level of input local people had in making this park turn out such a success as it did. The descisions they made from consultation meetings and the commitment they made through my aspect of the project as well.
I know it has totaly changed the way children play in the area. Changes for the better. Social capital and community spirit, self esteem and ownership in a deprived area are the real outcomes of this project. This has been forgotten about and was the real objective.
The reason I feel so strongly about this is because this is the second project I have done on this estate. The first laid the way for building improvements to the centre of the community and was a success. I was keen to work with the same community again to see for myself what it is like the 2nd time round, was it possible to get results again? Yes, it turned out just as good or even better.
What I wanted to do was to show all the doubting Thomas's who come up to you and say, 'change is a bad thing, the kids are ferral, the councils crap, the police are AWOL and public money should be spent more constructivly' (on whatever their little agendas are). I feel this was an oppotunity to show them they were mistaken and look what a positive impact seventy something grand had. Cheep in my opinion!
Sorry to spend time ranting and talking shite, it probably wont be the last!
