Evaluation of new paths in Delapré Park
Get the latest evaluation updates following the development of new pathways in Delapré Park.
Last updated November 29, 2024
About the project
In October 2024, West Northamptonshire Council opened new paths in Delapré Park in the hope of making the park more accessible for residents. This will be followed by additional seating (installed by West Northamptonshire Council) and new ‘wayfinding’ signage (overseen by Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust).
About the evaluation
The University of Northampton will evaluate the impact of the new pathways, with most of the evaluation activity taking placing during March 2025. This page will include updates and results from the evaluation as they are gathered, before a final report is produced after June 2025. This report will be published on the Active Quarter website and via local press, groups, and forums.
Evaluation methods
Click or tap the headings below to learn more about the different kinds of evaluation activities taking place, and the data that will be gathered.
Online public survey
More information expected in January 2025.
Interviews and focus groups
More information expected in January 2025.
Surveys and monitoring pathway use (in-person)
More information expected in January 2025.
Monitoring pathway use (automated)
More information expected in January 2025.
Social media and local press monitoring
More information expected in January 2025.
Evaluation updates
Evaluation updates will be added to this page as they become available. Use the tabs below to find out more about each area of research. The final report will be published below after completion in June 2025. Click or tap the headings below to learn more.
Research event (October 2024)
On 21st October 2024, the University held an event at Delapré Park so residents could suggest topics that should be included in the evaluation.
First, researchers shared a ‘Logic Model’ with residents. This illustrates a theory of how the new paths should lead to more visitors, more physical activity, and improved well-being. Residents added additional ideas onto the Logic Model, including any unintended consequences. You can view the Logic Model here, which includes updates made after the event.
Residents were also asked to share the names of groups that they thought would be impacted most by the new paths. The researchers plan to reach out to these groups for interviews and focus groups at the start of 2025. If you know of a group that may be particularly impacted by these new paths, then please get in contact with Declan, who is leading the evaluation (declan.ryan@northampton.ac.uk).
Finally, researchers asked residents where they would like to see seating along the route. This feedback, along with Government recommendations for seating, was then sent to West Northamptonshire Council to help them plan the installation. And, to support Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, researchers also recommended that residents are invited to help design the new wayfinding signs by attending public workshops. When the new signs are installed, the remaining temporary 3km walking route signs will be completely removed.
Early online feedback (November 2024)
The researchers are currently monitoring social media and local press to gather any early feedback about the new paths. They have already learnt that some people have raised concerns about the gravel material not being accessible for all park visitors – and that there is a desire for more seating and more signage. West Northamptonshire Council are aware of this feedback and are in the process of monitoring how the gravel is performing over time and exploring whether further works are required.
Evaluation findings
The final report will be published below after completion in June 2025.