The fourth local meeting within the Urban Regeneration project took place on-site in Kumanovo and was dedicated to detailed spatial mapping and direct communication with local residents. The session was led by Ekaterina — a team member with expertise in interior and architectural design — who facilitated conversations and short surveys with neighbours from the surrounding buildings to identify their priorities, needs, and expectations for the park.
As part of the visit, we created a precise map of the existing elements in the park: the locations of concrete walls, the wooden shelter currently missing a table, areas of overgrown grass, and potential spots for installing new swings, benches, and greenery. Ekaterina presented her visual representation of the future space — both digitally and on paper — illustrating potential transformations using various materials and eco-design elements.
Findings and Local Collaboration
Materials:
The team identified the materials needed for implementation — from paints and protective coatings, to wooden pallets, seeds, and plant seedlings. A clear plan was established to determine which items could be covered by the project budget and which could be sourced through donations and volunteer support.
New collaborators:
During the visit, we met a group of girls from the local scouting club, already involved in previous clean-up and revitalisation activities in the park. They expressed willingness to collaborate further, shared insights from earlier initiatives, and helped establish a foundation for future joint actions.
Community priorities:
Through Ekaterina’s questions, several key priorities became evident:
- more greenery (grass and aromatic plants),
- spaces for rest and socialisation (benches and tables),
- and basic equipment for children.
Preparation for the Youth Exchange
This meeting also served to prepare the team for the upcoming youth exchange in Italy (17–23 June 2025). Seven young participants will present the Kumanovo initiative, share the current state and ideas, and receive feedback and suggestions from partners in Italy and Spain. The preparations included creating presentations, moodboards, and concept proposals, supported by thoughtful visualisations to ensure a professional and creative representation of the project.
Looking Ahead
This interactive session, combined with the upcoming international exchange, reinforced the long-term vision of the project — a transformation that is:
- community-driven, involving the ideas and needs of local residents,
- visually inspired, supported by design concepts and clear visualisations,
- functionally urban, responding to real everyday needs,
- and ecologically sustainable, integrating eco-materials and recycled elements.
The next steps will focus on concrete actions: mapping activities for children and adults in the park, launching collaborative actions with the scout club, and presenting the plan in Italy. Implementation is expected to progress throughout the summer, leading to a greener, more inclusive, and community-centered park space in Kumanovo.
