Reimagining the MUGA
During the February half term holidays a group of Shieldfield's young people got together to re-imagine our MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). The workshop was led by Mahamat Younis (Shieling Working Group) and Rosa Turner Wood from Harper Perry (local architects) and was supported by Shieldfield Youth Worker, Precious Oluleye, as part of our ongoing research and planning into public space improvements. The young people used model making and drawing to share their ideas about how the MUGA is used now and how it could be used better to chill, play and meet friends
Why the MUGA?
We wanted to reimagine the MUGA because it was one of the important places mentioned by young people at previous sessions. It is identified as a key area in the strategic plan for Shieldfield. We focused on the MUGA because it needed to be more inclusive, and young people have no other place to meet, play and sit when it is occupied.
We’re not alone in thinking that MUGAs and other urban play spaces could do with a rethink. Make Space for Girls have found that parks, play equipment and public spaces for older children and teenagers are currently designed only for the default male. This is why it’s important that we listen to a wide range of views from young people and involve them in the design of these spaces.
What did we do?
In the workshop, the young people reflected on what the MUGA looks like now, what it needs and what it could look like in the future. We walked to the MUGA to get a sense of the place and talked about how they felt being there and why they go there. Back in the studio, the young people were asked, using playdough, to make models of what they wanted to see at the MUGA and ways to improve it. We discussed their ideas and the next steps. Through the model making exercise, the young people discussed how the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area), and surrounding landscape, could be developed to better meet their play needs.
What suggestions were made?
The young people suggested some key improvements and additions
The MUGA
A bigger pitch with a larger goal post.
Floodlights to allow use of the space at night.
Astroturf in the MUGA, particularly to prevent injury when falling.
Improved wheelchair access to the space.
A board to help with score keeping.
Somewhere to store play equipment (like footballs and basketballs).
The surrounding landscape
Planting trees around the site.
Seating surrounding the MUGA to allow young people to meet up and relax.
A vending machine to get snacks while out.
A shading system/covered shelter for use throughout the year.
Games on the fence of the MUGA for different types of play.
A splash pad or slip and slide for use in the summer.
What happens next?
The work will be compiled to be presented to the council. We hope to work with the council to find ways to improve this area and meet the play needs of young people in Shieldfield. The youth group will be updated with all the next steps and outcomes. This work can also be used for future reference on other projects in Shieldfield.
Text and images: Mahamat Younis, Rosa Turner Wood and Hannah Marsden.