Building bridges: codesigning & sense of belonging

This manuscript explores the implementation and outcomes of a codesign prototype called Side-by-Side, intended to enhance belonging for equity-owed residents in community recreation. Developed in partnership with equity-owed residents, Side-by-Side aimed to codesign community tactics to cultivate a sense of belonging with and for equity-owed residents through collective action. Through semi-structured interviews with providers, equity-owed residents, and allied community partners involved in the codesign process, we identify how the codesign process bridged divides by creating a collaborative environment that engendered a sense of belonging. Two themes are discussed: 1) deepening awareness and challenging assumptions, and 2) power and participation. Moreover, we explain how the Side-by-Side prototype fostered trust, promoted collaboration, and facilitated freedom of choice. We did this by finding ways for equity-owed residents to legitimize their knowledge and gain access to provisions that support access to recreation opportunities in their communities and cultivate a sense of belonging.