Tim Gill is recognized internationally for his expertise and eloquence in play policy and planning. As the former Executive Director of Play England and the author of “No Fear: Growing up in a Risk-averse Society” as well as numerous commissioned studies about play provision and risk, Tim is regularly consulted for his opinion about children’s issues in the public realm.

The United Nations broadly recognizes that childhood is in a public health crisis. Canadian child obesity rates are among the highest of the 29 richest countries in the world. Mental health problems among teens and young adults have emerged as a pressing issue of public discussion and policy. UNICEF recently issued a General Comment on Article 31, the child’s right to play and leisure, expressing the need to make adequate time and space for children’s self-directed play. The U.N.’s Child Friendly City initiative is intended to help municipalities share best practices for addressing the specific needs of children in cities.

Tim’s talk will encourage collaborative and multi-disciplinary discussions around children, play and risk to support Toronto’s future efforts at park and playground design, recreational programming, and the design of public space. How do we make Toronto a Child Friendly City? Our panel of local experts will share their thoughts about local initiatives. The audience will be invited to ask questions and enter into the conversation.

Panel:
Councillor Ana Bailão
City of Toronto staff from Parks and Recreation,
Community Development and Planning Professor Raktim Mitra, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Ryerson University Deborah Doncaster, President, Earth Day Canada
Andrew Sorbara, Chair, Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation

Please join us for a lively evening of discussion related to improving children’s lives in dense urban living conditions through city and parks planning, recreational and child-friendly programs.

Presented by GreenHere’s PLAYbynature Project, in collaboration with Councillor Ana Bailão, the City of Toronto, Earth Day Canada, Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation, Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.