Park Group 1740

That Glasets Hus opened its doors in Limmared meant that a meeting place had been created – for adults. In connection with the refugee influx in 2015-2016, many new residents came to Limmared, many of them children. From the desire to counteract segregation, the idea of building Glasparken, an activity park for children and young people right next to Glasets Hus, was born.

This leader project was not about building Glasparken itself. Rather, it was about filling it with life and movement by arranging activities that stimulate an active leisure time and inclusive attitudes. During the project's implementation, with the help of leader support, it has been possible to invite to a total of 68 different free events, including visits from ball artist Emil Jylhänlahti, pepedimin 2.0, and funk festival.

The number of visitors to the park exceeded all expectations. The park group, which is part of the association Kultur 1740, and which is behind Glasparken, has built and operates the park on a voluntary basis. They believed it would become popular when it was built, but not that it would attract as many as thousands of visitors each year.

Challenges due to success

The large number of visitors meant an unexpectedly high need for repairs, maintenance, and cleanliness, which meant that the voluntary time that had been counted on for the project's implementation quickly ran out. They also realized early on that adult presence was important to stimulate good treatment, consideration, and respect. In connection with the project's final report, discussions were ongoing with several stakeholders about how continued work could look. Likewise, planning for upcoming events and activities was ongoing in connection with the final report, so Glasparken will likely continue to be filled with life and movement in the future.

Park Group 1740

”We want to create a meeting place for people, and the leader support gives us the opportunity to fill Glasparken with various activities and to collaborate with other parties.”

José Hernandez, Park Group 1740

The board's decision justification

After the application was received and presented in LAG, as well as an interview with the applicant, scoring in the selection criteria showed that the project aligns well with the strategy for Leader Sjuhärad and is expected to meet some of the goals and indicators we have committed to during the program period. 

The project contributes to increased activity among young people, integration, and new collaborations. One advantage is that the operation is open year-round.