‘Change and inclusion’: new activities at the Aylmer Plateau’s Central Park for teens

Djeneba Dosso

‘My Place at Central Park,’ a project launched last July to offer teenagers recreational, cultural and social activities until the beginning of classes, is back for its second year. Every Wednesday to Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm, the Central Park will be open to teenagers for silent DJ evenings, slam workshops, escape rooms at the nearby Donalda-Charron library, and basketball games with the Police Service. Similar activities will also be offered at the Dupuis Park at the same times on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This project, facilitated by the Youth Commission, is designed to better meet the specific needs of young people looking for a place to “chill” this summer while promoting cohabitation in public spaces between teens and other residents.

“With the ‘My Place at Central Park’ project, young people will not have to travel to the services; rather, the services will meet young people directly. With the installation of the container, we want to allow young people to have their own place, a place available and adapted for them and that has a positive impact for teenagers in Gatineau,” said the co-chairs of the Youth Commission, Tiffany-Lee Norris Parent and Arnaud Forget.

This year, programming includes Spikeball competitions, improv nights and shows featuring African artists and music.

All the activities offered can be found on the www.Adogatineau.ca website.

With the Ma Place project, the Youth Commission aims to offer stimulating facilities and a recreational, cultural and social offering designed specifically for teens.

• Four parks have been selected to present programming specifically dedicated to teens this summer, including :
  • Parc Central, from June 19 to August 16, Wednesday to Friday, 7 pm to 10 pm;
  • Parc Dupuis, from June 26 to August 15, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m.

•  In addition, the AdoGatineau.case container will rotate between two Gatineau parks:
  • Édouard-Mercier Park, from June 26 to July 20, Wednesday to Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m;
  • Parc Saint-René, from July 24 to August 17, Wednesday to Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m.

• The Ma Place project is part of the Municipal Youth Action Strategy (SMAJ) and is carried out in collaboration with the Fonds pour bâtir des communautés sécuritaires of the Ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec.