In the spring of 2025, Cedos and the Ostroh hromada began active work on a participatory study of one of the key public spaces in the north-western part of the city. The aim of the project was to explore the hromada`s green space through the experience of its users and to form a vision for the further development of the area, involving the residents of Ostroh.

At the same time, the Cedos team worked with city residents to adapt the participatory methodology of Participatory Action Research. This tool helps hromadas independently investigate how public space is used and how to take into account the needs of different user groups.

The concept of the park was born not from drawings, but from people’s experiences. We worked with practices of space use and researched what residents value in it and what needs to be changed. This approach allows us to talk not just about improvement, but about the development of public space as a shared hromada`s resource.

Serhii Momotiuk, Cedos urbanist

In April, the Cedos team visited Ostroh, where they participated in a group discussion on the experience of using the site. We got acquainted with the green area and the city, communicated with the involved group of residents, and gathered initial qualitative observations and insights from users of the space and local experts.

The next stage was a workshop held in September. It was based on the collected data, field research of the green area, and the results of previous discussions with the group of residents involved. Together, we formed key approaches to the functional content of the territory and its future.

The result of this work was an urban concept for the park in Ostroh — a comprehensive document that includes:

  • a detailed study of the territory;
  • an analysis of practices for using the space;
  • proposals for the functional zoning of the site;
  • recommendations for further work by the hromada with the park.

The document is a tool for dialogue, planning, and phased development of the space, taking into account the real needs of Ostroh residents. It can serve as a basis for attracting resources, making management decisions, and forming a shared responsibility of the hromada for the future of this public space.

The concept of the park in Ostroh is based on caring for the natural environment and enhancing its value. It involves the maximum use of natural materials in landscaping, preserving and supporting the species diversity of green spaces, as well as careful work with the existing landscape. The park space is divided into several interconnected zones: for quiet relaxation, sports, active leisure, and social interaction. This allows for the needs of different user groups to be taken into account and for locations to be provided that correspond to the practices identified during the study.

The concept was presented on 12 January with the participation of a group of residents and people interested in the development of the green area.

The full text of the concept (in Ukrainian) is available on the Cedos website.

About the Participatory Action Research

Participatory Action Research is a process of educating a group of people who have come together for a common goal. This process builds understanding of interdependence within the hromada and can foster a sense of community and belonging. It helps to maintain residents’ interest in the area and involves participatory decision-making during the development and implementation of the concept, as well as the management of the green area. Participatory Action Research implements the principle of the right to the city through collectivity and equality as key components of the method.