About make space
Here you can find out more about my work with examples – including community led projects, public engagement, speaking and consultation, as well as my background and the experiences that shape my approach.
1.
Make Space York
Engagement with teenage girls leading to a co created space and a festival of free events and more!
2.
Engagement on behalf of the City fo York Council
Engagement with the wider community to create a welcoming recreation space – on behalf of the City of York Council.
3.
Conferences, panels and public speaking.
I regularly speak and present on various issues around the world, Including:
Recreation and Play – Irish government (2025)
Safer Parks: Improving access for women and girls (2023)
RIBA architects events (2024-5)
Women of the World Foundation (2024)
Hello!
I’m Abigail Gaines – a community engagement consultant, CIC director and advocate for inclusive parks and public spaces.
I founded the Make Space York project in 2021 focused on creating parks and outdoor spaces where teenage girls, and everyone else, feel welcome.
I work at the intersection of community engagement, placemaking, and gender inclusion – helping councils and organisations turn research into real change.
Background
Before founding Make Space York, I worked for a number of years in secondary school and sixth form leadership. That experience showed me just how much young people have to offer when given a genuine voice. It taught me the importance of listening, collaboration and empowerment – values that still guide everything I do today.
I also oversee a local charity, Friends of Rowntree Park, which supports the maintenance and improvement of a historic city park in York. Through this role I work closely with the council and represent the voices of local residents, helping shape spaces that serve everyone -from toddlers to teens, older residents and families.
Alongside this, I have a background in photography and videography, which I often use as a tool for storytelling, engagement and communicating impact. I’ve seen how creative approaches can make consultation more inclusive and bring community voices to life.
I live in York with my family – including a pre teenage boy and a teenage girl who constantly remind me how vital it is that our public spaces work for young people.
My approach is rooted in collaboration, empathy and evidence.
I believe the best public spaces emerge when we listen to those who use them and give people the tools to shape their environment.
Through Make Space York, I’ve developed creative and practical ways to engage teenage girls in co-design -from hands-on workshops and public consultations to festivals and temporary interventions. Each project is about more than design: it’s about belonging, confidence and community.
I balance this grassroots experience with an understanding of local government systems, policy, and planning – helping turn community insight into real, sustainable change.
Consultancy, collaborations, workshops and talks that share the learning from Make Space York and help others create inclusive, welcoming public spaces for all.
Together we can make space – for everyone.
makespaceyork@gmail.com
@makespaceyork
Linked IN
Abigail Gaines