News on Deptford Parks Proposals

Last Friday we installed a new Co-design board along Woodpecker Road!

While the first board aimed to discover issues in the area, this co-design board seeks solutions to these issues, bringing participants further into the design process. We did this by showcasing the main themes that emerged from the first board (play, street furniture, greening of the area, opening the space up and lighting) and provided inspiration / ideas that could be incorporated in the design. We asked people to choose their favourite images and show us whereabouts along the route they would like them.

To celebrate the beginning of the co-design of Woodpecker, we decided to throw a street party! This event invited passers-by to get involved via music, a play street (reimagining the street environment with games, chalk drawings and inviting children to draw their ideas on a map) and an enticing and popular raffle, with an amazing range of gifts, generously provided by local businesses. Lewisham Cyclists also very kindly ran a free Dr Bike, providing numerous bikes some TLC just in time for autumn cycling adventures.

During this event we were very happy to meet a lot of people who contributed to the first board, with many commenting how the board had become a focal point where local people gathered around - in many cases meeting neighbours for the first time!

We went back to Woodpecker on Tuesday and spoke again with all local shops in the central area, hearing some particularly useful insight to how the space works for them.

We really appreciate the contributions so far, and look forward to seeing more ideas for the co-design of Woodpecker Road. The board will be there until Monday so if you haven’t contributed yet head down and tell us your ideas!