Although it was unfortunate that we could not move forward with our previous plans to host an event, our goal still aims to bridge the intergenerational gaps in green space knowledge by finding manageable alternatives that highlight a similar nature. This week our group convened to plan out our next steps by figuring out our methods for collecting data and finalizing our main media piece. The biggest challenge that we faced was understanding the limitations and time constraints when it comes to implementing our goals. Nevertheless, our successes resulted from being able to solve these logistical mishaps and come up with a solution that is possible to accomplish in the next two weeks.
For our data collection methodology, we decided to create a Google form that would be supplementary to the interviews that we plan to conduct. During the interviews, we will guide our participants by filling out the form with them as they answer the questions: “What do green spaces mean to you?” and “How do you use green spaces?”. In addition, the form will also include questions that ask some background information on the participant. These questions aim to compile data regarding participants’ age, how long they have lived in Regent, and an optional section on ethnicity. Our main media piece is a map (36x48) of Regent Park encompassing: 1) the development phases; 2) a clear identification of the neighbourhood boundary; 3) common places for residents to gather (i.e. Daniel Spectrum, Aquatic Centre, Regent Park Athletic Grounds, etc.).
The plan for this map is to leave it in Daniel Spectrum throughout the next two weeks, and for people to pin their preferred areas on where they would hope to see green spaces in the neighbourhood. In the final week of our class, we will use this to supplement the data that we collect. In our final exhibition, we will encourage resident attendees to continue and pin specific places on the map where they hope to see green spaces.
We decided that after the class, it was important to immediately execute our plans. This meant that working on our flyers, maps, and interview forms needed to be completed. By giving ourselves these immediate objectives, we were able to complete two-thirds of our tasks, which was to develop the flyer and the map.
For many, green spaces are perceived as integral to community well-being as they hold physical and social values, especially for a neighbourhood like Regent Park. It was fascinating to hear that no one has ever done a project in this class regarding green spaces in the community. Therefore, we believe that this project can guide residents in potentially uncovering new passions and a way that can create a connection between people from different life stages in the neighbourhood.
The Green Committee members are Julie, Shameel, Issac, and Mishika