Around the world cities struggle to build a safe, fun, kid-friendly environments.

Cities across the world must grapple with the issue of a more sedentary generation of kids. Tim Gill author of No Fear: Growing Up in a Risk Averse Society argues that building cities for cars and commerce is keeping cities from unlocking a better quality of life.
In a survey of strategies different cities have used to tackle the issues, Laura Laker highlights the Albanian city of Tirana, where the mayor built up support for closing a large section of city to cars by creating a series of children’ events that opened up the space to pedestrians. "Tirana also boasts a 'city council for kids', where young representatives meet the mayor, debate and take their findings back to school," Laker writes.
Lexington, Kentucky had success in reinvigorating its parks during the long, hot summers by adding a novel attraction. "The following summer a pop-up water fountain was installed on the grass of nearby Northeastern Park, and its impact was transformative," Laker writes. The additional attraction didn't just make the park more enjoyable to the people who generally used it, but was successful in attracting people who would not have previously used the park.
FULL STORY: What would the ultimate child-friendly city look like?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie