TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft an ordinance to enact “Kid Zones,” defined as safe spaces for children at local parks, playgrounds, beaches and other areas intended for use by children. “Kid Zones” would prohibit adults from entering or remaining within these designated areas without the accompaniment of a child under the age of 12.
DISCUSSION
Safe outdoor spaces are vital to the healthy development of children. They provide exercise and recreation areas, emotional and social enrichment opportunities, and promote community use of public green spaces.
In playground design, everything from the height of the structure to the type of surfacing used is based on guidelines that reflect use by toddlers and children aged 2 to 5 and/or 5 to 12 years old. Adult use of playground equipment can result in structural damage that may lead to safety hazards for the children who use it after them. Residents have also recently reported adults misusing public playground spaces by engaging in other activities that discourage proper use by children and their guardians.
Given recent upticks in vandalism/damage and resident concerns about the safety and availability of the City’s playgrounds to families, it is necessary we explore measures that promote safe outdoor spaces. By establishing “Kid Zones,” this recommendation ensures the City’s playground equipment and play areas specifically designed for children remain safe and available spaces for use by children. These zones would be easily identifiable and enforceable with signage identifying the area. This recommendation would not apply towards other public spaces in parks, including but not limited to benches, fields, and restrooms. Cities in New York, Oregon, Colorado, Florida and California have already adopted policies for “Kid Zones” to ensure the safety of children in playgrounds.
This matter has been reviewed by Budget Manager Grace H. Yoon on August 27, 2021.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation r...
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