Op Ed's

Child Friendly Downtown

Dickinson-Iron Great Start Collaborative Op Ed
 

There is increasing realization that downtowns should be welcoming to all, including children. Traffic-calmed streets, stroller-accessible sidewalks, play-area pocket parks, and other child-friendly amenities are good for everyone. Families with children are a vital part of our local economy and must be embraced by the central business district to foster future relationships.

Play spaces or parks in the downtown, which can include climbable art, encourage families to combine shopping with helping their children to exercise and energize and make our downtown an engaging and memorable place. Water features such as a splash fountain or wading pools for children add more dimension and fun to the experience. Public restrooms with changing tables and sinks and soap accessible to children are also needed.

Streetscape enhancements increase pedestrian safety and welcome youth to our downtown. Well-marked curb cuts with accessible entrances encourage families with strollers to cross intersections and access sidewalks safely. Child-friendly crossing buttons encourage independence and allow for appropriate street crossing. Traffic calming measures like on-street parking, tree planting, raised medians and improved pedestrian crossing markings increase safety for children and their families.

Many of our downtown events are child-friendly and include activities like bounce houses, parades and outdoor movies. Store promotions such as scavenger hunts and price matching games can help to solidify relationships between children and business owners in the central business district. Parent-child playgroups can be scheduled into downtown meeting places to help children and parents expand their awareness of what a downtown can offer.

The heart and soul of every community besides its people, is its downtown. Downtowns are the economic engine of entrepreneurial business startups and entertainment and hold the keys to our history and our heritage. Efforts to revitalize downtowns have surged over the last decade as citizens and public officials have begun to realize the benefits from reduced crime and vacancies to increased investment and a stronger tax base. Initial promotional focus was on young professionals and retirees, but now it is time to expand our efforts to welcome children and their families.

Children are the heart and soul of our community, important members of our society and the future leaders of our city and nation. Their values, attitudes and shopping habits will be shaped by their experiences when they are small. As we teach children about leadership and community service, we need to also teach them about our heritage and history and invite them to become champions for their families and our downtown.

Great Start Spotlight Awards recognize child and family friendly businesses and organizations. Let’s make our entire downtown child and family friendly.