The city of Coquitlam is hoping an update to its sports field strategy will help reverse a trend that has seen youth participation rates drop in organized sports.
As part of the consultation process, parks staff will be gathering information from user groups and sports organizations to help enhance services offered by the city. According to a staff report, the city currently offers a basic level of service when it comes to field amenities but an "enhanced level of service may be warranted."
The staff report noted that organized sport participation has not kept pace with population growth in Coquitlam, particularly for youths 12 to 18 years old. The document noted that less serious recreational leagues are not as prevalent in the city and learn-to-play programs are only offered to young children.
A consultant will be hired to engage with stakeholders and research the needs of the sports community, as well as look at other municipal sports field strategies. The work will identify gaps in Coquitlam's current field amenities and outline potential opportunities.
Last year, a survey included in the city's youth strategy found that the majority of young people preferred more flexible, low-commitment recreation opportunities.
According to the results of a survey of approximately 1,000 youths and young adults, drop-ins and short-term instructed programs are the preferred method of physical activity. The consultation process also found that barriers such as cost, access and awareness of recreation opportunities were key factors in limiting youth participation.
