On Thursday, 26 March 2026, the Municipality of Thessaloniki and KEPA organized an open local event at Kritis Park titled “Neighborhoods at the Core: Co-creating Kritis Park “Mina Patrikiou”, in the framework of the SPICE project and the “City in Transformation” conference.
The event brought together more than 50 participants, highlighting the strong interest of the local community in actively contributing to the future of the park. Attendees included local residents, representatives of public authorities and academic institutions, families with children, and people who regularly use the park. This diverse composition enabled the collection of valuable insights and perspectives, contributing to a deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of different user groups.
The event aimed primarily to inform, engage, and activate citizens, laying the foundation for future actions towards a greener, more inclusive, and contemporary public space. Participants were invited to join the “Friends of Kritis Park” group, while short interviews with local stakeholders captured ideas, needs, and proposals that are central to the co-design process.
Participatory activities played a key role throughout the event. Mapping exercises – “Show me your route” and “Show me your favorite place” – helped participants share how they experience the park in their daily lives. A children’s drawing activity provided creative input on what young users enjoy and what they feel is missing. The event concluded with a guided walking tour, combining historical insights with open discussion.
Overall, the event strengthened the connection between citizens and public space and highlighted the importance of participatory approaches in urban planning. The active engagement of participants confirms the value of co-design as a tool for shaping sustainable and widely supported interventions.
📸 Photo credits: Olga Deikou, ΚΕΠΑ
The event, entitled “Neighborhoods at the core: Co-Creating Kritis’ Park Mina Patrikiou”:
– was organized by the Municipality of Thessaloniki and KEPA, partners of the SPICE project consortium, as a local dissemination event in the context of the pilot case for this area
– was part of the “City in Transformation” conference organized by participatoryLab and commonspace with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation – Thessaloniki Office.