On January 14, the Wrenford Youth Council presented its 2025 vision for downtown parks to City Council. The council, made up of young residents aged 16 to 22, wants to turn spaces like Centennial Gardens and Riverside Flats Park into welcoming hubs for all ages.
The 2025 plan focuses on three main goals. First, the council wants to improve park safety and accessibility by adding more benches, better lighting, and shaded rest areas along the Tamsin River Trail. Second, they plan to host monthly community clean-up days and tree-planting events in partnership with the Parks & Trails team. Third, the council wants to build stronger ties between young people and older neighbours. They propose weekend "Skill Swap" sessions in downtown parks, where youth can teach digital skills and older residents can share local history or craft workshops.
Intergenerational programming is a big part of the vision. The Youth Council hopes to work alongside our senior services team to create shared events that bring different generations together. You can learn more about programs for older adults and senior recreation opportunities on our website to see how these ideas might fit into existing community schedules.
"When young people help design our parks, we all benefit," said City Manager Robert Eng. "Their ideas make downtown spaces safer, greener, and more welcoming for everyone. We are excited to see the Youth Council take the lead on these projects this year."
If you are between 16 and 22 years old, you can join the Wrenford Youth Council. Simply send an email to [email protected] or stop by the Service Wrenford counter at City Hall. If you have feedback on park upgrades or want to volunteer for a clean-up day, visit the Participate in community planning page. All youth program registration opens on March 1, 2027, but interest forms are available now.
The full 2025 Youth Council report is available online. Check the News & Events page for updates on park work schedules and volunteer sign-ups.