Enticement: the role of community involvement in the management of urban parks

Abstract

A central tenet of the system of best value in UK local government is that of public consultation and involvement. Local councils are expected to work with their communities to achieve economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of local services. This paper uses the methodology of grounded theory to identify the role and work activities of eight successful urban parks Friends groups in two UK local authorities. The research found that the main study problem encountered by Friends groups was how to encourage residents back into local parks in a situation initially characterized by degraded facilities and inadequate council resources. This problem was processed through the basic social process of 'enticement'. Enticement is composed of two major types of work: security work and facility-improvement work. The properties of these types of work are identified and elaborated. The paper also raises three important issues for further research and consideration: harnessing community expertise, the training and experience of council officers, and the division of power and responsibilities.