Youth
Oshawa receives "Youth Friendly" designation
In March 2020, the City of Oshawa received the Bronze Youth Friendly Community designation from Play Works, a program supported by Parks and Recreation Ontario.
The City of Oshawa was the lead applicant and worked with 34 Oshawa youth organizations and service partners in the community who contributed to the designation as co-applicants.
What is the Youth Friendly designation?
The Youth Friendly Community designation is granted every three years to communities across Ontario that recognize the unique needs of youth ages 13 to 19, and ensure they have continuous access to leadership and engagement opportunities, ranging from arts to recreation to civic participation. Communities are required to meet at least seven of ten youth-friendly criteria. Currently, 47 Ontario communities are recognized as Youth Friendly. The categories that must be met for designation are:
- Youth have options for play
- Youth are formally connected community-wide
- It is easy for youth to find information about play activities in the community
- The community recognizes and celebrates youth
- The community formally commits funding for youth play
- The community supports Positive Youth Development
- Youth feel valued by their community
- Schools and school boards support the Youth Friendly approach
- Play is accessible to youth
- Play is socially inclusive
What is Play Works?
Play Works is a group of organizations that are concerned about the future of youth and have joined forces to enhance youth engagement in communities across Ontario. Play Works partners are: 4-H Ontario; Arts Network for Children and Youth; Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada – Central Region; Ophea; Parks and Recreation Ontario; YMCA Ontario.
Learn more about Youth Friendly communities or to see City of Oshawa’s standing visit Play Works.
Youth Friendly Oshawa
The City of Oshawa offers a wide variety of opportunities for youth to get active in our community.
There are many programming options to choose from, including Oshawa Youth Council, teen weight training, and volunteer opportunities, drop-in programs and registered programs.
We have recreation facilities, skateboard parks, youth rooms and events.
Explore, play and get active!