Child-friendly community practice in Quzhou gains national recognition

Children play at a Quzhou park. [Photo/Tide News]

A community development model in Kecheng district, Quzhou, Zhejiang province, has been included in a national list of replicable practices for creating child-friendly urban spaces.

The third list, issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the National Working Committee on Children and Women under the State Council, covers practices including child-friendly neighborhoods and communities, institutional mechanisms, and child-friendly upgrades to public service facilities.

Baiyun Community in Kecheng has converted underused land, open ground-floor spaces, and vacant properties into more than 30 indoor and outdoor children's activity areas, three pocket parks, and a lit basketball court. Revenue generated by community-operated assets is used to maintain facilities and organize activities.

The community has also formed volunteer teams and developed organizations to serve children, with regular programs including psychological counseling, parent-child activities, and experiential learning. It has also explored a long-term operating model involving communities, volunteers, and market-based organizations.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–25), Kecheng developed 51 child-friendly spaces and facilities and completed 8,000 square meters of child-friendly renovations.