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Enjoying shared green spaces

Guidelines for a safe and pleasant experience

As the warmer weather approaches, our shared garden areas and communal spaces offer a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy the outdoors. These areas are designed to provide a relaxing environment where everyone can unwind, socialise, and appreciate nature.

To help make sure these spaces remain safe and enjoyable for all, we have a few guidelines that balance both health and safety with community involvement.

Health and safety restrictions

To maintain a safe environment, the following restrictions are in place:

  • No barbecues and fireworks: For safety reasons, barbecues and fireworks are not permitted in the communal areas. These activities pose fire hazards and can disturb and be distressing to other residents.

  • Large items: Items such as trampolines, swings, bouncy castles and other large play equipment are not allowed in communal areas. These can obstruct pathways, pose safety risks, and damage the garden areas.

  • Water based activities: Paddling pools, swimming pools, and hot tubs are also not allowed due to health and safety concerns. These items can lead to accidents and require extensive maintenance.

  • Personal planting: Using communal gardens for personal planting without permission is not allowed. This makes sure the garden areas remain organised and accessible to all residents.

  • Access restrictions: Changing locks to gates or restricting access to other residents is forbidden. The communal areas are there to be shared and enjoyed by everyone in the community.

Young mother carrying her daughter in a piggyback. The weather is bright and both are laughing and smiling.

Community involvement

We encourage residents to get involved in maintaining and helping to enhance our shared garden areas. Here are a few ways you can contribute:

  • Become a Resident Champion: If you’re enthusiastic about maintaining a clean, safe, and well-kept neighbourhood, you can make a difference in your community by becoming a Resident Champion! Find out more about this role on our website: pahousing.co.uk/getinvolved

  • Join neighbourhood surgeries: Participate in your neighbourhood surgery and help plan and organise communal gardening and other activities. Your input can make a significant difference in how these spaces are utilised.

  • Share ideas: Have suggestions for improving the garden areas? Share your ideas with us by completing the form on your Neighbourhood Coordinator’s webpage. Simply click on the Improvements button. We value your feedback and are always looking for ways to enhance our communal spaces!

Enjoying the gardens responsibly

While using the shared garden areas, please be mindful of the following:

  • Respect others: Be considerate of other residents using the space. Keep noise levels down and avoid activities that may disturb others.

  • Clean up: Make sure you clean up after yourself. Dispose of any rubbish properly and leave the area as you found it.

  • Follow guidelines: Follow these guidelines to help make sure everyone is able to enjoy the green spaces safely and fairly.

Two primary school boys lying on their fronts as they tend to their school vegetable patch. The sun shines brightly overhead.

By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to a safe, pleasant, and welcoming environment in our shared gardens and communal areas. Let's make the most of the warmer weather and enjoy these beautiful communal spaces together!