Last week marked the conclusion of the 12th edition of the Haurren Hiria (Children's City) project in Tolosa. This year, the Children's Council was made up of 42 students aged between 8 and 12, representing third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades of primary education, taking into account their school, age, gender, place of residence, and origin. The project's aim is to give children a voice, and they have analyzed the conditions necessary for Tolosa to be a safe town.
Throughout the school year, work sessions were held to analyze safe environments. In these sessions, they learned about experiences from other places through experts, and each representative shared what they learned with their classmates. Work sessions were also conducted with families.
With all the work done, they reflected on how Tolosa could be improved to become a safe town. Consequently, several members of the Children's Council informed the mayor and council members of the Tolosa City Council about their work, submitting five specific proposals.
The main proposals focus on sports and physical activity, requesting, among other things, a covered pelota court and more football and basketball fields. They also asked for the option to use volleyball, rugby, and tennis courts for free, and for the expansion of the Usabal sports center and the climbing wall. Finally, they emphasized the importance of having more spaces for outdoor sports.
In terms of mobility and safety, they expressed a desire to move more safely around town. They proposed improving cycle lanes and ensuring they are continuous, as well as having covered parking for bicycles and bicycle rental services.
For leisure, culture, and play, they requested more covered parks suitable for all ages, as well as spaces for book exchanges. Regarding the environment, nature, and animals, they proposed more green areas, fishing spots, and dog parks, along with the need for measures to control dog waste.
Lastly, to improve the town and its neighborhoods, they mentioned the functioning of traffic lights and street lighting. They asked for more bins, public restrooms, and fountains, and also proposed that the library remain open on weekends.
