A Safe Residential Street around Stuivenberg Square

The streets around the child-friendly Stuivenberg Square form a residential street. Yet drivers often travel (too) fast, posing a danger to children playing outside. Through the citizen’s budget, some neighbors proposed slowing traffic with playful street paintings. The project received many votes—but what should we paint?

Createlli organized a community street party where residents brainstormed together about messages and illustrations for a safer residential street. To reach as many neighbors as possible and make the most of a limited budget, we linked the event to activities by local associations SAAMO and KARS and to Open Street Day. Residents were also personally invited via nearby schools and door-to-door outreach.

This approach fostered strong engagement in a diverse neighborhood, including many non-native Antwerp residents who are often underrepresented in participatory processes. The street party brought neighbors together through games, chalk drawings, community spaghetti, and music—a perfect foundation for a long-lasting sense of community.

pictures @Createlli & @Burgerbegroting Antwerpen