Recently, I was tipped to the article, "How to Build a Family-Friendly City" by Jim Dalrymple II, published by the Institute for Family Studies. You can find the article here. The article discussed how thoughtful urban planning can transform cities into environments that support and enhance family life.
The author uses Spanish cities, particularly Barcelona, as prime examples of how frequent playgrounds, pedestrian-friendly streets, and mixed-use developments create safe, vibrant, and accessible communities. Granted, there are some major differences between a large and historic city like Barcelona and our smaller hometown. However, the article provides some insights and could provide a valuable blueprint for fostering a more family-oriented landscape.
This is especially relevant as our community is revising its comprehensive plan, and these principles could be incorporated as goals into that document. First, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure is crucial. This means expanding and maintaining sidewalks, creating pedestrian zones in high-traffic areas, and implementing traffic-calming measures. Such changes could encourage walking, improving physical health and social interactions among residents. Pedestrian-friendly design not only promotes safety but also creates vibrant community spaces where families can gather and interact.
Another important principle worth investigating is increasing the number and accessibility of playgrounds. In Barcelona, playgrounds are frequent and integrated into public squares, surrounded by residential and commercial buildings, making them easily accessible and safe. Troy could adopt a similar approach by developing more playgrounds within walking distance of residential areas. Ensuring these playgrounds are safely accessible by foot or bike, and regularly maintained, would provide safe and engaging spaces for children to play, fostering their physical and social development.
American Structurepoint, the consultant brought on board to complete the city’s comprehensive plan, spent considerable time noting that there are major residential parts of the community that are not within walking distance of a neighborhood park. The map below shows where these smaller neighborhood parks and a radius of a 15-minute walk.
Promoting mixed-use developments can significantly enhance the convenience and vibrancy of life in Troy. These developments integrate residential units with shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces, reducing the need for long commutes and fostering a lively community atmosphere. Mixed-use zones help keep consumer spending within the community, supporting local businesses and creating economic resilience. By zoning for and encouraging mixed-use developments, Troy can create neighborhoods where daily necessities are within easy reach, enhancing the quality of life for families. It appears that there are efforts to increase mixed-use developments in the community, as the recently demolished Spinnaker Property on East Water Street is currently in the process of being re-zoned to a mixed office-residential use.
Traffic-calming measures are vital for improving safety, particularly for children. Implementing measures such as reduced speed limits in residential areas, creating safe school zones, and incorporating features like raised crosswalks and curb extensions can make Troy's streets safer for pedestrians. Ensuring main thoroughfares are designed to slow down traffic can further enhance safety, encouraging parents to allow their children more independence. Safe routes to schools and parks, marked by clear signage and protected pathways, can empower children to navigate the city independently while ensuring their safety.
Attainable housing options are essential for maintaining a diverse and family-friendly community. Ensuring a range of housing options that are affordable for young families could involve zoning changes to allow for different types of housing, incentives for developers to include affordable units in new projects, and programs to assist families in purchasing their first home. Attainable housing ensures that families are not displaced due to rising costs and can continue to contribute to and benefit from the community.
Community engagement and services play a crucial role in building a family-friendly city. Implementing programs and services tailored to families, such as childcare facilities, educational workshops, and community events, can create a supportive and engaged community. Libraries, community centers, and schools can serve as hubs for these activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging among residents. Engaging with the community to understand their needs and involving them in the planning processes can ensure that developments align with the desires and requirements of families.
Child care has often been cited as one of the major barriers keeping individuals, particularly, women out of the workforce. In addition, our community has strong partners, the Troy-Miami County Public Library and Lincoln Community Center, are two strong examples, of organizations that provide programming and support for families and children. These organizations are helping create a family-friendly atmosphere in our community.
By adopting these strategies, Troy can transform into a more family-friendly city, enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Implementing these changes requires coordinated efforts from local government, planners, and the community. The benefits of a family-friendly city are extensive, ranging from improved mental and physical health for children to stronger community ties and economic resilience. This transformation would not only attract new residents but also retain current ones, fostering a vibrant, thriving community.
So, what do you think? Do you think Troy is a family friendly community? Could the community do more to be more family friendly?
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