Where are the Teenage Girls?

A guide to Creating Parks that Work for Teenage Girls

This guide explores how parks and public spaces can be designed and managed to better meet the needs of teenage girls. It brings together learning from the Make Space York project alongside wider case studies, research and emerging practice from across the UK.

It is intended as a practical resource for those working in parks and green spaces, including local authorities, landscape architects, urban designers, park managers, developers, councillors and community organisations.

The guide highlights why teenage girls are often underrepresented in the design and use of public space, and sets out practical approaches to addressing this through inclusive design, engagement, programming and policy.

It includes:

• insights from engagement with teenage girls
• case studies showing how their input has shaped real change
• examples of physical improvements to parks across the UK
• practical ideas and principles that can be applied in different contexts

This is a living resource that will continue to evolve as new examples and learning emerge. A more detailed implementation toolkit is also in development to support practitioners in applying these approaches on the ground.

About Make Space York

Make Space York is a grassroots project working with teenage girls to create more welcoming and inclusive parks and public spaces. The project combines co-design, community engagement and creative practice to understand barriers to access and support practical change in how parks are designed, used and managed.