Can you help parents and their good neighbours keep kids safe?
Three years ago residents built beautiful playgrounds at Bellevue Manor. After a while they became concerned about unsupervised children, the absence of anyone to stop fights, dogs and cats using the sand area as a toilet, broken glass, pills, and needles found in the sand. So they organized safety patrols to make sure the grounds were safe and kids could play peacefully:
- 6 volunteers do balcony watch patrols to keep an eye on the park and report any concerns to the co-ordinator.
- 8 volunteers do foot patrols to check the park and play areas for broken glass, animal feces, needles, and pills. They mediate small disputes or call security for large problems. They also encourage parents to supervise their children and become members of the safety committee.
As a result:
- The parks and play areas are safe and clean.
- There are fewer fights among children.
- Residents meet each other and work together to make the neighbourhood better for their children.
- Children are better supervised.
Now there's a new concern: children running from the play area right into busy Caldwell Avenue. City by-laws do not allow a fence but a seating/planter structure is acceptable. This barrier would prevent young children from running into the street before a parent has time to react.
Ottawa-Carleton Housing staff are willing to draw up the plans and there are volunteers to build the structure. These concerned parents and neighbours just need a bit of help:
Someone to direct the construction work and materials (lumber, hardware), estimated at $1500.
Can you adopt a few boards of lumber and some nails to help ensure the safety of children and encourage the safety committee to continue their work?
Call Anne Joyce at 722-4000 for info.
Carlington Community and Health Services is a non-profit community-based health centre which provides health and social services, is committed to the well-being of our community, promotes social, economic, physical, mental and environmental health, and is responsible to the community through an elected Board of Directors. Our staff and volunteers work together to achieve these goals. For information on becoming a volunteer or a member, please call us at 722-4000.