The community open space development project focused on local project opportunities linked to the bigger policy and planning initiatives that would benefit local communities and create opportunities for job creation and transfer of skills. Thus, while the development of the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System Framework Plan was seen as critical in ensuring the long-term protection of the city's natural resource base it was realised that previously disadvantaged communities would need to see the value of the open space before they were likely to support such a plan. In working towards this goal, the development of community open spaces in previously disadvantaged communities was undertaken as a pilot project in the previously disadvantaged areas of Ntuzuma, Phoenix, Newlands East, Kwa Mashu, and Kenville Avoca.

Initially meetings were held with the local Councillors for the areas and other local council departments such as Parks and Recreation to identify projects which would have community support. This approach resulted in the development of community open spaces that are accessible and provide a valuable recreational and environmental education resource to communities who previously did not have access to such resources. There has been extensive community involvement in the development of the open spaces: e.g working with local ward Councillors and community representatives to ensure community support for the projects: community groups and schools were involved in the design of the open space: local labour and contractors were used (where possible) in order to ensure employment creation. Long-term maintenance of the these areas (due to the lack of appropriate funds) has, however, been problematic.