Game Reviews
Abstract
148 SIMULATION & GAMES / MARCH 1987 GAME REVIEWS COMMUNITY GARDEN DESIGN GAMEby J. Hasell, B. Long, and K. Bess. 3-4 hours. 9-25 players. Information about obtaining the player's manual and game kit is available from Dr. Jo Hasell, Department of Housing and Interior Design, 125 Stone Building, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412. WILLIAM PERK Southern Illinois University at Carbondale The Community Garden Design Game is much more than just another game: It is an exercise in participatory design, in community initiative, in conflict resolution, in enhancing citizen well-being and self-esteem. Even if you never thought you would be interested in gardening, this appropriate planning tool is worth your time and attention. The game was prepared for use by community garden leaders and neighborhood groups who are interested in designing neighborhood garden/ parks. The game itself cycles through stages of imaging garden design solutions, presenting these solutions to the group, and testing their acceptability and appropriateness in order to refine a new image. The game begins with keywords that evoke values people might realize in connection with the garden project. Words such as "unity," "pride," and "self-esteem" appear along with "self-reliance," "beautification," and "nutrition." Once agreement