Together in green – Spolu v zelenom
The Local Challenge
In Dolný Kubín, a small town in northern Slovakia, there is a shortage of public spaces that are truly inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for everyone, including people who face barriers to participation. Opportunities for different community groups to meet, collaborate, and enjoy nature together are limited. This gap deepens social isolation, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, and weakens community cohesion. Residents face challenges such as youth migration, an ageing population, and limited cultural opportunities. Without safe, welcoming spaces that encourage interaction and shared experiences, many remain excluded from community life.
The Initiative
Together in Green (Spolu v zelenom) is a community project that involves creating an inclusive outdoor space at the local library. At its heart are a sensory-friendly garden and gazebo, co-designed with members of the “Úsmev prosím” Civic Association to ensure it is welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. Picture raised garden beds overflowing with herbs, workshop tables where hands of every age and ability work side-by-side, sensory-friendly spots for relaxing, as well as technology for learning opportunities and events for the community. This garden comes alive with activity: collaborative planting, creative workshops, music and ceramics sessions, canistherapy, and environmental education. Local schoolchildren share the space with older residents; disabled and non-disabled participants create together; and nature is both the setting and the teacher.
What’s Next?
Together in Green is not just about building a garden, but about growing connection, creativity and well-being for everyone in Dolný Kubín. Once established, the garden will become a living hub for community life, hosting year-round workshops, open-air events, and educational programmes. For residents who face physical, sensory, or social barriers, the garden will provide daily access to a safe and calming environment designed with their input from the start. For the wider community, it will be a place to collaborate, learn new skills, and spend time in nature together.
Over time, Together in Green will do more than reduce social isolation, as it will encourage care for the environment and connect generations through shared projects. Every event hosted will be a reminder that this space belongs to everyone. As with any garden, the more it’s collectively maintained, the more resilient and vibrant it becomes.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
