NORTH Shore parks have well-maintained play spaces designed to keep kids away from traffic, but the region needs more safe crossings, sidewalks and affordable childcare, according to recent survey findings.
North Shore Neighbourhood House and North Shore Community Resources have released results from the Child and Family Friendliness Survey, which collected data from 100 North Shore service providers and more than 1,700 parents in order to gauge how well the region addresses the needs of families.
The research, conducted by a third party from January to March, reviewed issues such as childcare, transportation, health services, housing and recreation.
Respondents identified several areas in need of improvement, among them safe crossings, more sidewalks, curb accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs, more programming at outdoor spaces, more covered spaces at public parks, more affordable childcare, more before-and after-school care at school sites, more spaces that offer flexible hours for children under five, safe routes for children to walk to school and safe drop-off and pickup areas.
Survey-takers also identified areas where the community is succeeding in being family friendly. For example, respondents feel that parks, fields and other open spaces have well-maintained play spaces, designed to keep children away from traffic. They also think there are many welcoming places where parents of young children can meet each other.
The feedback came as no surprise to Lisa Hubbard, NSNH executive director. "We know the issues," she said. "(The survey) was more to inform people that wouldn't necessarily be bumping into that stuff all the time."
The results will be presented to community non-profit organizations and all three North Shore municipal councils.
Hubbard said the findings can be used as a tool for anyone working with families and children on the North Shore.
Despite the identified shortcomings, Hubbard says the North Shore is overall a "very" family friendly community.
"The North Shore is very committed to and interested in keeping children and families happy and being able to be active and participate in the three municipalities," she said.
