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Recreational spaces and facilities

Parish and town councils can create an environment that supports the physical, social, and emotional well-being of young people in the community by investing in developing, renovating, or maintaining youth-friendly facilities like parks, sports fields, skate parks, basketball courts, outdoor activity spaces, playgrounds, and community centres ensures young people have access to quality recreational spaces. Ensuring these facilities are accessible to all young people, including those with disabilities, promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for participation.

Here’s a more detailed look at what parish and town councils can implement:

  • Establishing youth-friendly areas — Develop spaces that are appealing and tailored to the interests of young people, incorporating modern designs and amenities. Ensure these areas are safe and well-lit, with clear signage and designated areas for different activities. Involve young people in the planning process to understand their needs and preferences.
  • Upkeeping well-equipped playgrounds — Regularly inspect and maintain playground equipment to ensure safety and functionality, provide various play equipment suitable for different age groups and abilities, and install inclusive playground equipment that children with disabilities can access.
  • Offering sports facilities — Provide a range of sports facilities such as soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and swimming pools, organise sports training programs and workshops to encourage skill development and participation, and host community sports events and tournaments to foster teamwork and community spirit.
  • Implementing youth recreation programs — Offer a variety of recreational activities such as arts and crafts, music, dance, and outdoor adventures, employ qualified and trained staff to supervise and lead these programs, and encourage young people to participate in organising and leading activities to build leadership skills.
  • Creating green spaces and nature trails — Develop green spaces with trees, plants, and wildlife to provide opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature, establish nature trails and walking paths for hiking and exploring the local environment, and organise educational programs and guided tours to teach young people about local ecology and environmental conservation.
  • Ensuring facilities are accessible — Incorporate accessibility features such as ramps, handrails, and accessible restrooms in all facilities. Facilities should be designed with universal access in mind, ensuring that they are usable by people of all ages and abilities. Raising awareness about accessibility and inclusivity within the community to promote understanding and acceptance.

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