The Role of Rural Renewal Program in Planning of the Village Public Spaces: Systematic Approach

Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development eISSN 2345-0355. 2017. Vol. 39. No. 4: 432–441. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.15544/mts.2017.30

THE ROLE OF RURAL RENEWAL PROGRAM IN PLANNING OF THE VILLAGE PUBLIC SPACES: SYSTEMATIC APPROACH

Agnieszka Jaszczak1, Jan Žukovskis2, Mariusz Antolak3 1 Assoc. prof. University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawochenskiego 17, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland. Phone +48895234549. E-mail [email protected] 2 Prof. dr. Aleksandras Stulginskis University. Studentų g. 11, 53361 Akademija, Kauno r. Lithua- nia. Phone +37069816243. E-mail [email protected] 3 Ph.D. University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Prawochenskiego 17, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland

Received 11 11 2017; accepted 12 12 2017

The problem of the research – community and municipal institutions in renewal the public space and landscape in rural areas. The aim was to investigate the application of support measures ("small grants") to improve the quality of life of the population and the improvement of the environment in rural areas and to submit proposals for its improvement. The study included an analysis of the "Rural Renewal Programs" in the Warmia and Mazury Region in Poland, in order to assess the progress of the development of rural areas and changes in the quality of life of the population af- ter the realization of such projects. The article presents proposals for the development and harmoni- zation of landscape projects, improvement of evaluation criteria, inclusion of population and better use of assistance. Key words: rural renewal program, regional development, public areas, village renewal. JEL Codes: O18, R00, R51.

1. Introduction

According to ICOMOS-IFLA principles...(2017) rural landscapes are terrestrial and aquatic areas co-produced by human-nature interaction used for the production of food and other renewable natural resources, via agriculture, animal husbandry and pastoralism, fishing and aquaculture, forestry, wild food gathering, hunting, and extraction of other resources, such as salt. Rural landscapes are multifunctional resources. At the same time, all rural areas have cultural meanings attributed to them by people and communities: all rural areas are landscapes. The answer to problems of space transformation, economic development or identification of the rural community are activities concentrated on the Rural Renewal Program in Europe. Village renewal is a process of adaptation to social and economic changes including internal and external ones (Pijanowski, 2016). Renewal of the village shifts the responsibility for the future of the local community to its own – making it an entity and a major motor of change (Wilczyński 2005).

Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Lithuanian Insti- tute of Agrarian Economics. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creati- ve Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are cre- dited. The material cannot be used for commercial purposes.

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Agnieszka Jaszczak, Jan Žukovskis, Mariusz Antolak. The role of rural renewal program in planning of the village public spaces: systematic approach

The objectives of the comprehensive village renewal programme are ensuring and maintaining a good quality of life for all, sustainable development of the municipality and the development of strategies and measures involving the local population (Damyanovic, 2014). Local (endogenous), and external (exogenous) resources were to be used in the socio-economic development (Jeziorska-Biel, 2015). According to M. Wojcik (2016) the village renewal is a very wide notion that includes revitalisation of various facilities, improvement of aesthetic qualities and development of public space, investment in infrastructure, consolidation of social capital and place identity. The reconstruction, restoration, revitalization and creation of community-friendly spaces are important goals of the movement's social and spatial development strategies. Programs and projects are initiated by the local authorities, institutions and associations as well as members of the local communities who active- ly participate in the process of shaping the village's image to acquire a sense of be- longing and shared responsibility for their surroundings. The anticipated results can be achieved only through a community-driven approach. Villages and surrounding rural areas offer an alternative path of development and can set an example for other towns and areas on the regional and national scale. This work includes issues related to the transformation of public areas of the villages of Warmia and Mazury in the last few years. Public areas in the countryside are a very important element in the socio-cultural development of rural areas. It is he- re that the integration of residents and the exchange of ideas, problems and arrangements take place. That is why it is so important to take up the theme of proper space management based on available design and program patterns. The work presents ways to develop the public areas of the villages based on the assumptions of the Vil- lage Renewal Program in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.

2. The aim of the research

The aim of the research was to investigate the application methods and impact of small grants on the quality of life of rural residents in rural areas on the basic of villages participating in the program "Active Village of Warmia, Mazury and Powiśle" and propose alternative ways to improve quality of life and environment of that people. This paper discusses the goals of the Rural Renewal Program and the outcomes of social and spatial development projects initiated by the Rural network. Examples of regional projects aiming to improve the local quality of life, protect and shape the local landscape are presented. This research explores the hypothesis that public spaces play a significant role in the inhabitants’ integration and are a cultural value which builds a "village image". They also help to preserve the traditional character of a village and affect the health of residents and tourists using agritourism offers. The article contains an analysis of the social and economic activities implemented within the framework of the Village Renewal Program by the Marshal's Office in Olsztyn. In particular, the role of the ac- 433

Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development eISSN 2345-0355. 2017. Vol. 39. No. 4: 432–441. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.15544/mts.2017.30 tion called "Active Village of Warmia, Mazury and Powiśle" in the financing of public space development projects in villages was discussed.

3. Methodology of investigations

The research and the choice of the area stem from actions implemented under the project "Renewal of Village" in the Warmia and Mazury region. It was a two-step procedure to pursue aims. In the first step, it was important to assess the rural renewal program using a compound of different sources including contemporary resources, national and regional documents. Information on rural renewal have been captured in a wide range of sources containing archives, primary and secondary literature. In the second step, distinctive rural areas (including public spaces and green areas) were identified by means of an analytical survey conducted to understand individual preferences of the area. A number of direct interviews primarily with the staff of the Marshal's Office in Olsztyn (Poland), local leaders, as well as persons respon- sible for the implementation of the village renewal program in Warmian-Masurian Voivodship were conducted. The meetings with inhabitants were particularly important. In this stage, the methods of co-financing of small projects under the action "Ac- tive Village of Warmia, Masuria and Powiśle" concerning public space in the years 2013–2017 were investigated. Additionaly the preferences in the selection of places for small investments and the character of projects in 2016–2017 were analyzed.

4. Results of research

Village renewal is a direction of development of rural areas, combining respect for tradition with the need to search for an appropriate place for the village in a chan- ging world. It is a process and constant adaptation to social and economic, internal and external changes, which leads to the overall shaping of the living conditions of the rural population. The concept of village renewal comes from German Dorferneue- rung because the village renewal movement began in Germany in the sixties of the last century, later Austria, Luxembourg, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, the Czech Re- public, Slovakia and Poland joined the movement. In Poland, the program of the village renewal occurred in 1997, as a formal movement, covering the region of south- western Poland. The first region that started it was Opole province. Historical backg- round of this movement was the work of many social activists, scientists and entrep- reneurs who contribute to improving the lives of rural residents and to preserving their identity (Idziak, 2013). Implementation of the Programme of Warmia and Ma- zury was started in 2011 by the development of the General Basic Principles. Rural renewal, as a way to develop rural areas, is characterized by (Wieś Warmii..., 2011): - initiatives and involvement of local communities, - the use of resources at the disposal of the village, in particular their strengths and characteristic and unique elements, - impact on the identified weaknesses of the village,

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- planning the development of the village by its inhabitants and striving to achieve a vision and goals, - spatial planning with active participation of inhabitants, - support for the initiative by the municipality and assistance from the region, - expert advice for implementation of adopted rural development concept by specialists from the region, - educational actions for local community. The development of public places in the countryside affects social integration. Social activity of residents is an important determinant of contemporary transforma- tions of villages (Wojcik, 2016). Another social models were introduced in F. W. Scharf (2003) and J. H. H. Weiler (2003) works. It should be added that green areas are often part of the cultural landscape (historical green areas – historical parks, gardens, greenery near sacred objects, gardens in rural farms, roadside alleys). For this reason, green space plays an equal role with architecture in preserving the cultural potential of the countryside. In recent years a positive reverse trend has been noti- ced with regard to the design of green areas in country style. This is reflected in the return to nature, the use of traditional forms, rural plants and materials. In the program of village renewal, the greatest importance is attached to giving new image, aesthetisation of space and identification of villages. There are several examples of the creation of a "village image" through the green conception (Table 1).

Table 1. Program of creation the common areas (including greenery) in selected villages Proposal Examples Main goals Improving the quality of rural space, Imp- Aesthetisation Conscious planning of green roving the aesthetics of common places to of the village areas with expert cooperation residents, Improving the cleanliness and order of areas Conferring a common system of green planning Spatial 1. Compositional and material Defining one style and template identification linkage of green areas Homogenous composition for places with different functions Introduction of the marking system Identifying the leading theme Thematic Use of forms and materials related to the of village (especially in the- identification village’s topic matic villages) Selection of forms and inscriptions on bo- 2. Arrangement of the entrance ards which are similar to the identification Planning of the zones (so called "gates to the system and the theme of a village village entries village" and "introduction Use of ornamental plants to highlight the 3. zones") entry zones Preparation of common pla- Village center Planning of places such as central village ces for residents being "the planning squares, markets, squares, creating spaces showcase of a village"

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Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development eISSN 2345-0355. 2017. Vol. 39. No. 4: 432–441. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.15544/mts.2017.30

“Objective measurement can be a useful instrument to evaluate the effective- ness of improvements on living conditions proposed by institutions and their profes- sionals to improve the quality of life of rural communities” (D’Agostini…, 2008). The main objective of the action "Active village of Warmia, Mazury and Powiśle" is to increase the activity and the integration of rural communities and the involvement of citizens in their efforts govern village councils, as well as to improve the living conditions of the rural population. This is a valuable support for the residents’ activity and practical implementation of the village renewal plans. Additionally, within the framework of the competition "Active village of Warmia, Mazury and Powiśle", Warmia and Mazury voivodships allocate funds from their budgets for the implementation of small investments. Small projects include the construction of playgrounds, bridges, planning of recreation areas or cents, construction of arbors and outdoor gyms. Since 2006, the Government of Warmia and Mazury voivodship has been supporting the activation of rural communities, giving grants for projects implemented in rural areas and reported by both rural and urban-rural municipalities. Every year funds from Marshal Office are a tool for the renewal of villages. Grants are awarded in an open competition where villages included in the renewal program submit their own projects (table 2).

Table 2. A number of small investment projects and amount of funding in the action "Active Village of Warmia, Masuria and Powiśle" Total amount Max. amount of of funding Number of fi- Year funding (for (in EUR nanced projects one project) approx.) 2013 93000 2300 42 2014 93000 2300 42 2015 114600 2300 50 2016 68037 3500 24 2017 65000 2300 26 *Source: Own elaboration based on data from Marshal Office in Olsztyn

The open competition for the activation of local communities in rural areas (for NGOs) in 2016 concerned primarily: - supporting projects aimed the aesthetization of public space in villages which participating in the Rural Renewal Program (table 2); - supporting non-investment activities included in the Restoration Plan of Vil- lages which have influence on the growth of social and human capital in the villages; - supporting projects which have influence on development of already existing thematic villages in rural areas of Warmia and Mazury voivodship. “Standard of living of an individual can be stated by the means of three different parts: income, consumption and material conditions” (Nováková…, 2016).

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“This approach makes it possible to provide information on the scale of regional disparities in various different countries, and to identify privileged and handicap- ped regions with reference to standards of living and the sense of wellbeing” (Spel- lerberg…, 2007). In 2017 the government of Warmia and Mazury voivodship adopted a resolu- tion to grant the financial assistance to 21 Municipalities for the implementation of investments in 30 rural areas (villages). From 30 projects, which initially received financial support 4 have been rejected for formal reasons (not been realized or the ag- reement was not assigned). A total of nearly approx. 65 000 EUR were awarded for grants ranging from approx.1600 EUR to approx. 2300 EUR. In 2017 the main aim of supporting is development of thematic villages from Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivo- deship as a way to stimulate the activity of local communities. This objective is realized by special tasks, including supporting the projects which are focused on development of already existing thematic villages in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodship. This action only applies: -organizing events in villages, related to the topic of the thematic village; -promotion of thematic village using various media; -expanding of the thematic village offer; -supporting of activities concerning the development, implementation and testing of a comprehensive offer of thematic villages; -contribution to village specialization, developing the offer and keeping it high quality.

Table 3. Small investment projects financed by funds from Marshal Office in 2016 Project number Village (Municipality) 1 2 3 4 5 Wójtowo (Barczewo) x Żytkiejmy (Dubeniki) x Grabowo (Mrągowo) x Babięty Wielkie (Susz) x Bałoszyce (Susz) x Jeruty (Świętajno) x Spychowo (Świętajno) x Stare Siedlisko (Wilczęta) x Turza Mała (Płośnica) x Kraszewo (Młynary) x Janowo (Jagarzewo) x Aniołowo (Pasłęk) x Romankowo (Sępopol) x Lipica (Sępopol) x Blanki (Lidzbark Warm.) x Węzina (Elbląg) x Mątyki (Iława) x Urowo (Zalewo) x

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Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development eISSN 2345-0355. 2017. Vol. 39. No. 4: 432–441. Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.15544/mts.2017.30

Project number Village (Municipality) 1 2 3 4 5 Bogaczewo (Morąg) x Turznica (Ostróda) x Stare Jabłonki (Ostróda) x Kandyty (Górowo Iławeckie) x Guja (Węgorzewo) x Pożary (Działdowo) x Project number: 1. Village centre (squares, public gardens, floral design); 2. Playground, mini outdoor gym; 3. Center of culture and surroundings; 4. Area near sacral objects; 5. "Welcome areas" – boards.

The second goal is to increase social and human capital in the rural areas of Warmia and Mazury. This goal should be implemented by: - supporting projects for regional meetings in which the local village leaders could exchanging their experiences and raising competences; - supporting the organization of study visits that increase the competence in planning new rural initiatives by rural residents; - supporting activities in rural areas by using the resources of folklore and folk heritage.

Table 4. Small investment projects financed by funds from Marshal Office in 2017 Project number Village (Municipality) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Płośnica (Skurpie) x Gąski (Olecko) x Urowo (Zalewo) x Żabi Róg (Morąg) x Piasutno (Świętajno) x Bogaczewo (Morąg) x Rekownica (Jedwabno) x Spychowo (Świętajno) x Użranki (Mrągowo) x Lenarty (Olecko) x Elgnówko (Olsztynek) x Wejsuny (Ruciane Nida) x Ławice (Iława) Jesionowo (Dobre Miasto) x Babięty Wielkie (Susz) x Grabowo (Mrągowo) x Mątyki (Iława) x Pilec (Reszel) x Kandyty (Górowo Ił.) x Pożary (Działdowo) x Stare Siedlisko (Wilczęta) x 438

Agnieszka Jaszczak, Jan Žukovskis, Mariusz Antolak. The role of rural renewal program in planning of the village public spaces: systematic approach

Project number Village (Municipality) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kochanówka (Lidzbark) x Łaniewo (Lidzbark) x Jeruty (Świętajno) x Otręba (Kurzętnik) x

Project number: 1. Village center (squares, public gardens, floral design); 2. Playground, mini outdoor gym, sport facilities; 3. Center of culture and surroundings; 4. Area near sacral objects, historical places; 5. Recreational objects/barbecue; 6. Parking places, bus stops; 7. Recreatio- nal/educational paths

In 2016 the Marshal Office co-financed development projects including village centre (squares, public gardens, floral decoration), playgrounds and mini outdoor gyms, areas near center of culture; sacral objects, information and promotion boards so called "welcome boards". In addition to projects financed in 2016, in 2017 projects included also arrangements of stops and parking areas, projects of educational paths as well as recreational places for common culinary events. In the years 2016–2017 most projects (22 projects in total) concerned the development of small recreational and sport spaces, including playgrounds or outdoor gyms. In this period 9 projects were implemented in the squares or in the village center and 6 projects in the community center (cultural center). The selection of places and themes for the projects is dictated mostly by the needs of the inhabitants, but also by small amounts of funding. This allows the implementation of micro activities in a small space. In principle, the financing of these projects is regarded as a form of supplement the major infrastructure programs. The action "Active village of Warmia, Mazury and Powiśle" is primarily aimed for activa- ting the inhabitants through the joint initiatives for the development of public space. From 2015 in the evaluation of projects the large role is given to their quality. Therefore, in terms of design and graphics, the projects have been developed with the help of students of landscape architecture and researchers from the Department of Landscape Architecture (University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn).

5. Conclusions

As a result of the analysis, main conclusions have been made: 1. Rural renewal is a joint action aimed at improving of the quality of residents’ lives. This is a trend of rural development assuming that the identity of the village and the values associated with rural life have a special role to play. 2. The program of village renewal in Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship is implemented at several levels. It assumes primarily the activation of the inhabitants through the actions for the village. It oversees this process and supports educational and advisory activities, as well as -finances micro-projects.

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3. Marshal Office in Olsztyn initiated the implementation of the Rural Renewal Program with a range of socio-cultural initiatives and activities that have influence on the improvement of rural areas planning, including public spaces. 4. Public spaces fulfill a special role in the integration of the village population. Therefore, it is important to plan them with the direction of village development, as well as with the needs of the residents themselves. 5. Financing of micro-projects from the action "Active Village of Warmia, Ma- zury and Powiśle" is intentional, as it helps to realize ideas of the local community to planning common spaces. In the years 2013–2017, the Marshal Office in Olsztyn co- financed 184 micro projects concerning mainly the planning of village centers, squares, playgrounds, open air gyms, recreational areas. 6. Presented examples of public spaces projects in selected villages of the Warmia and Mazury region were developed together with inhabitants, with particular attention to their remarks. Hopefully their implementation is possible from the funds raised under rural support programs. For the purpose of more efficient and effective organization of project activities in public areas, including financial resources from the “Rural Renewal program“, the following recommendations are presented. 1. Differentiated projects of public zones should be prepared depending on the style of village, its history and heritage, as well on on modern resources. Thus, it is necessary to prevent the replication of examples in several villages of different character. 2. The principle of the originality of projects and their importance in the development of villages should be included in the system of assessing small grants. 3. Further cooperation is necessary in the area of spatial development between local leaders, local government units and specialists in the field of landscape architecture and spatial planning. 4. The funds from the small grants should be systematically increased and distributed according to the value of the projects, where residents own work in the implementation of projects should be significant. 5. Best of completed projects should be rewarded in the form of additional pri- zes or additional financial support for maintenance (care) public place (including green areas).

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KAIMŲ ATNAUJINIMO PROGRAMOS VAIDMUO PLANUOJANT VIEŠĄSIAS ERDVES: SISTEMINIS TYRIMAS

Agnieszka Jaszczak1, Jan Žukovskis2, Mariusz Antolak3 1, 3 Varmijos ir Mozūrijos universitetas, 2 Aleksandro Stulginskio universitetas

Įteikta 2017 11 11; priimta 2017 12 12

Tyrimo problema – bendruomeninių organizacijų ir savivaldos institucijų patirtis atnaujinant kaimo viešąsias erdves ir kraštovaizdį . Tyrimo tikslas – ištirti paramos priemonių („mažųjų dotaci- jų“) gyventojų gyvenimo kokybei ir aplinkai kaimo vietovėse gerinti taikymo patirtį bei pateikti pa- siūlymus, kaip geriau jas panaudoti. Tyrimo metu atlikta ,,Kaimo atnaujinimo programos“, vykdo- mos Lenkijos Varmijos ir Mozūrijos regione, analizė, siekiant įvertinti kaimo vietovių plėtros pa- žangą ir gyventojų gyvenimo kokybės pokyčius realizavus tokius projektus. Tyrimo metodika – valstybės ir regioninių institucijų teisinių dokumentų ir projektų analizė, tiesioginė kraštovaizdžio tvarkymo rezultatų analizė bei interviu su bendruomenių ir savivaldos atstovais ir kitais asmenimis, atsakingais už kaimo vietovių atnaujinimo procesus. Straipsnyje pateikti pasiūlymai, padėsiantys rengti ir derinti kraštovaizdžio viešuosius projektus, tobulinti vertinimo kriterijus, įtraukti gyvento- jus bei geriau panaudoti paramą. Reikšminiai žodžiai: kaimo atnaujinimo programa, regioninė plėtra, viešosios vietos, kaimų atnaujinimas. JEL kodai: O18, R00, R51.

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