The Better Place project, commissioned by Better Start Bradford, work with people living in Little Horton, Bowling and Barkerend, and Bradford Moor to improve local outdoor spaces; with a focus on developing better places to play, live and be active for families with young children.
Our evaluation
As part of our evaluation to assess the impact of the Better Place project we have been collecting annual observational measures of park and green space quality (using the NEST tool) and use (using the SOPARC tool) to explore changes over time.
We have also been working directly with the community to understand their views and experiences. In 2019 we conducted a survey with our BiBBS families which included questions about their local parks and green spaces. In addition to this, in 2021, we began a longitudinal qualitative evaluation of the project – speaking to families and community organisations who use local spaces to understand how they use them and what they think of the changes Better Place has made. We are also working with them to understand whether the changes influence the community’s sense of ownership of their local area.
Findings
The baseline findings of observational data for 2018 and 2019 showed that there were big differences in quality across outdoor spaces and this was associated with the numbers of people using them. For example, more people were observed using parks that were assessed as high quality. Results from 2021 indicated that park usage and quality in the Better Start Bradford area overall, has increased from 2019.
Interim analysis of interviews with families and community organisations suggest that co-design of green spaces may increase use and health benefits amongst local communities but more community involvement is ensure everyone is aware of the changes that have been made. The evaluation of the Better Place project is due to conclude in Summer 2024 with findings shared at the end of the year.
Future plans
In 2024 we will complete the final phase of the project to explore whether the changes made by the Better Place project has led to improvements in satisfaction and wellbeing for families.
Project summary written by Farwa Batool
the Better Start Bradford Innovation Hub 