2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

19th Edition

Phase 4 of 8

Results open vote 28/03/2025 - 31/03/2025

Process phases

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Morón: Claiming the Use of Public Space

Official proposal

07/02/2025 16:09

The situation at the "La Manzana de los Clubes" site was problematic, with conflicts over the use of spaces, disputes between institutions, underground parties, abandonment, and the presence of a small landfill. In light of this, the community expressed the urgent need to recover and transform this space.

The intervention began with a focus on decentralization and citizen participation, within the framework of Integrated Approaches. The role of the local government was to facilitate and coordinate, listening to the stakeholders in the area and promoting their involvement in problem-solving.

In 2021 and 2022, a mapping of the involved actors was conducted, and they, along with local residents, were invited to form an Interinstitutional Table. A shared use of the space was agreed upon, subsidies were provided to the clubs, and their legal situation was regularized. Additionally, the cleaning and tree planting of the small landfill was undertaken with the active participation of the neighbors, who continue to collaborate in maintaining the space.

By 2023, the site hosted a Primary Childhood Center, a Socioeducational Center, labor and educational workshops for youth, and the headquarters of the Interinstitutional Table, which brings together all the local institutions.

Citizen participation was key throughout the process, with close collaboration between sports, educational, community, and children's institutions. The formalization of the use of the site through a lease agreement consolidated harmonious management, resulting in a positive impact on neighborhood security and quality of life. The space was reclaimed from conflict and transformed into a site of recreation and social support. The ongoing involvement of all actors ensured the sustainability and success of the program.

The community, by taking control of its environment, built a network of solidarity that restored the essence of the place, revaluing it not just as a physical space but as a symbol of citizen participation and collective achievements. La Manzana de los Clubes became not only a virtuous cycle for all the actors involved, but also a place that ensured social, educational, and sports inclusion, benefiting over 2,500 children and young people daily from all over Morón. Moreover, it stands as a living testament to the power of collective efforts. Every corner of this space echoes the hope that the future is built hand-in-hand with all those who inhabit and dream it.