Creating more flexible, low-commitment recreation opportunities for young people is just one of the goals of a draft youth strategy approved by Coquitlam council this week.
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.
“Increasing awareness of the importance of life balance is the first goal in the youth strategy,” said a city staff report. “The research and consultation confirmed that many youth are finding it difficult to achieve balance in their lives, lacking the recommended levels of sleep, exercise and other wellness activities.”
In order to implement the youth strategy, city staff said they would shift resources to re-establish a dedicated youth services section in the parks and recreation department. The resources would be used to lead and plan youth programming, said the report to council.
The city’s previous youth strategy was adopted in 2006 but, after noting the significant cultural, economic and technological changes that have occurred over the last 13 years, council voted to endorse updating the document in 2017.
Now that the draft strategy has been approved by council, staff said they would work on a five-year implementation strategy. The report also noted the city would work with the incoming youth council to present the strategy to schools and community groups this fall.
