Tienen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Children in Tienen are calling on local authorities to build a subtropical swimming pool, voicing their wishes for more recreational facilities in the city.
A survey of the children’s ambassadors makes this clear. These 42 10-year-olds are free to express their opinions on a wide range of topics, and the city of Tienen pledges to take this into consideration.
At a meeting held in the city hall’s council chamber on Wednesday afternoon, the children’s ambassadors developed their ideas.
“All suggestions to make Tienen more child-friendly”,
says alderman for Youth Olivia Verstrepen (Durf). At the end of last year, the city council called on 10-year-olds in the city to give them a say. 42 children registered to become children’s ambassadors.
“We find participation very important, we are now going to see which proposals are financially feasible.”
Following a number of seminars and brainstorming sessions, the kids came up with ten proposals that the Tienen municipal government can now work on.
For instance, a climbing wall, a spot to “chill,” and the creation of a Tienen compliment day—where people congratulate one another—are all quite popular. However, they also want better pathways, more play areas, and safer school districts. However, there is a noticeable need for a swimming pool that is subtropical.
Mayor Jonathan Holslag promises to take the children’s suggestions into account.
“We do indeed want to work on a new swimming pool in Tienen, but it won’t be a subtropical pool. That costs too much. And I also think that compliment day is a good idea, because the people of Tienen are often called grumps. Time to change that.”
How did the children’s survey influence Tienen’s plans for a new pool?
The survey of 42 10-year-old children’s ambassadors in Tienen had a direct impact on the city’s deliberations over the design of a new subtropical pool. The city was able to gather unambiguous proof that kids desire a subtropical pool with warm water and recreational amenities by providing these young ambassadors with a forum to voice their opinions.
In order to better satisfy the needs and desires of its youngest citizens, the city of Tienen has pledged to consider this feedback, suggesting that the poll results are influencing conversations and priorities in next pool development plans.
This strategy is consistent with more extensive research showing that including kids in decision-making can assist customize facilities to boost community happiness and involvement.
