More Places to Belong.
Young people need safe, welcoming places to spend time, participate, study and build connection.
The goal is not to create programming for the sake of programming. It is to understand where the gaps are and make practical use of municipal spaces and partnerships to fill them.
The Action Plan
Ask Youth What Is Missing
Create direct opportunities for young residents to identify the activities, hours and spaces they would actually use.
Use Existing Facilities Better
Look at off-peak rooms, gyms, libraries, parks and recreation spaces that could support youth activity without waiting for a new building.
Support Local Youth Organizations
Make it easier for credible non-profit and volunteer groups to understand facility access, booking and partnership opportunities.
Create Community Hours
Explore predictable youth-focused times for recreation, study, drop-in activity or community-led programming.
Measure Participation
Track whether new opportunities are actually being used and adjust based on participation rather than keeping programs unchanged by default.
What Residents Should Be Able to See
Youth Input
Young residents have a visible way to influence what is offered and where.
More Useful Hours
New or expanded youth access is tied to identifiable gaps in time, location or programming.
Participation
Programs and access opportunities are evaluated based on whether youth actually use them.