Contact: Mary Michaud
(608) 280-1461
Madison WI – February 10, 2016 – The City of Madison, along with six other U.S. cities, was selected to participate in a groundbreaking initiative, Cities Connect Children to Nature at http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/institute-for-youth-education-and-families/youth-and-young-adult-connections/cities-connecting-children-to-nature. Sponsored by the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education and Families (IYEF) and the Children & Nature Network, the initiative seeks to give every child the chance to meaningfully connect to nature.
“Madison has a wealth of urban nature,” says Mayor Paul Soglin, “but not all Madison kids get a chance to enjoy it. This initiative will move us in the right direction.”
As a partnership between Public Health Madison and Dane County, City of Madison Parks and multiple community partners, the initiative recognizes a growing body of scientific research that points toward the powerful benefits that even small amounts of time spent in natural settings can offer.
“It’s a great opportunity,” says Madison Alder Rebecca Kemble. “The additional resources will add a tremendous amount of value and national collaboration to our efforts to ensure that every child in Madison can connect to restorative, natural places and activities. Because of our rich City Parks system, many of these places are right nearby.” Other cities selected include Austin, TX; Providence, RI; San Francisco, CA; St. Paul, MN; Louisville, KY; and Grand Rapids, MI.
“Nature captures children’s curiosity,” says Mary Michaud, Policy Director for Public Health Madison and Dane County. “Active play in nature helps kids restore their ability to focus, not to mention sleep. Nature play also teaches children how to negotiate all kinds of risk in very safe ways.” Recent research also suggests communities reporting more nature contact also report more social connectedness and less violence. (See article at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/exposure-to-nature-reduces-crime_us_565c6e64e4b08e945febb4ca)
The planning grant will facilitate a focus on increasing equitable access to nature and engaging youth leaders, emphasizing work with organizations serving youth and families of color. Partners will build a plan to ensure all youth have access to time in nature, developing important skills for leadership and civic action along the way. Phases of the 7-month process include 1) Taking stock, 2) Engaging for action, and 3) Identifying a sustainable city-wide model to support the work. This summer, youth leaders will complete assessments of neighborhood environments and out-of-school time opportunities, actively shaping the results of the City Plan.
“Restorative spaces that benefit children don’t have to be big, and they don’t have to be far,” says Eric Knepp, Superintendent of Madison Parks. “Madison Parks is proud to host this important community discussion on how to better our children’s lives through connecting them to nature.”
On March 5, a kick-off event at Warner Park Community Center will offer a chance for youth and organizational leaders to review Madison’s assets and current challenges to all children spending time in nature. They will begin to identify common priorities and goals, discuss opportunities, clarify obstacles, and prioritize action steps in the plan. Youth and community organizations are encouraged to register for the event.
For information on the event and tickets see https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connect-children-to-nature-planning-event-tickets-20903216082
