Between August and October, in the Zapaden (Western) district of Plovdiv, the association “BG Be Active” successfully implemented a public space revitalisation process with the active participation of local youth and residents. This activity is part of the “Youth Placemaking Balkans” project, which is focused on encouraging youth involvement in urban planning and development through the practical application of placemaking principles.

“Adhering to the philosophy of placemaking, our ambition from the very beginning was to inspire local youth and residents to rethink and rediscover the role of public space as a communal hub, to inject it with ‘life,’ and to recognise it as ‘their’ place,” commented the Project Coordinator from the Association.

Over 50 young people and more than 30 neighbourhood residents participated actively in the process, contributing to both the discussions and the on-site work.

Several partners and institutions supported the initiative: the Mayor’s Office of the Zapaden district, the Municipal Enterprise “Gardens and Parks” (OP “Gradini i parkove”), the Plovdiv Youth Centre, the Vasil Levski Sports School, and small local businesses, who supported the activities with their products and provided refreshments for the on-site participants.

Through active communication on social media and traditional media, the project reached over 100,000 people.

The Placemaking Process: Stages of Transformation

Following the core idea and approach of placemaking, the transformation of the space was achieved through several key stages.

I. Stakeholder Engagement

The first stage was dedicated to engaging all interested parties. Conversations, meetings, and discussions were held, laying the foundation for the entire process. The “BG Be Active” team met with the Mayor of the Zapaden district, Ms. Toni Stoycheva, where they presented the “Youth Placemaking Balkans” project, the concept of placemaking, and the role of young people in creating a better urban environment.

Together with representatives from the Mayor’s Office, several potential locations were inspected, and the final choice landed on the space opposite the Vasil Levski Sports School. This is a lively area actively used by the school’s students, local residents, young families with small children, and the elderly. The school has dormitories for students from other cities, who also use the space for active recreation and sports.

A desire for change was evident right from the start. The location is part of an inter-block area, adjacent to a large residential building and a park zone, and held significant potential. It features a playground, a sports area with a basketball hoop and a tennis table, and a relaxation/socialising area. Benches and rubbish bins are situated in the south, west, and north. While there were visible signs of previous efforts by engaged residents, demonstrating their activity and care, several challenges were also evident: pollution, an insufficient number of bins for the high daily foot traffic, dilapidated elements, visual unattractiveness, and intergenerational conflicts over usage.

II. Community ‘Touchpoint’ and Vision

The next stage was the “touchpoint” with the space, aimed at gathering people’s ideas and opinions. The readiness of local residents to commit to the space was researched and analysed.

The “BG Be Active” team organised open meetings and on-site discussions, and installed idea boards where residents and young people could share their visions for the future look of the place.

During the discussions, inspiring examples from around the world were presented, as well as the concept of the modular Parkly installation, which encourages communication and active recreation. Initial design sketches and projects (created by the young people) were prepared, and the collected suggestions were unified into a common vision for the space.

Over 40 young people from the sports school, youth from the district, and local residents participated in this stage of the placemaking intervention.

III. Physical Revitalisation

The final stage was dedicated to the physical improvement of the space. Given that the public space was quite worn out, the main goal of the initiative centred on restoring existing elements. Improvements were made to every zone.

• Cleaning and Restoration: With great energy, enthusiasm, and volunteer labour, and supported by the “BG Be Active” team and OP “Parks and Gardens,” the space was cleaned and prepared for intervention. Young people and residents repainted the existing benches and sports equipment. The benches were also repaired, and broken slats were replaced.
• Enhancements: Activities also included installing new rubbish bins, planting additional greenery, and providing extra lighting to make the area more inviting. The unified yellow design introduced a distinct, positive mood to the space.
• New Focal Point: At the centre, the modular Parkly installation appeared—a spot for conversation, rest, and meetings—which quickly became the new gathering point for young people.
• Functional Zoning: The space was divided into several zones: for sports, children’s games, and relaxation, to meet the needs of all age groups.

 Conclusion and Future Impact

The process of revamping the space concluded with a celebration that brought together residents, youth, and partners. Music, refreshments, smiles, and shared stories marked the moment the place received its new chance, and the social bond created between different generations and groups became stronger. Participants had the opportunity to appreciate the achievement, enjoy the results, and exchange ideas. The experience demonstrated that when young people are engaged and their voices are heard, they become active and conscientious citizens.

Placemaking processes like this one unequivocally confirm that change starts from the bottom up—from the people who live in a given location or share a specific space. Numerous young people and volunteers took part in the various stages of the process, each leaving their mark and helping to realise the physical transformation, as well as ensure the future care and development of the space.

The project in the Zapaden district is just one example of how conscious and responsible cooperation, willingness, initiative, and the practical implementation of ideas transform urban spaces into vibrant, shared, and inspiring places.