Managing the maintenance of urban open spaces

This chapter focuses on maintenance as the operational part of managing urban open spaces (UOS). Maintenance differs according to the characteristics of specific UOS but is also dependent on the organisation responsible. Maintenance is organised under different governance arrangements, among which state-, market- and community-centred models are described. Maintenance is typically described using standards and monitored using a logic encompassing resources, activities, results and effects. The chapter provides arguments for holistic and inclusive approaches in the future organisation of UOS maintenance operations.