by Athénaïs Cazalis de Fondouce

Municipal Councillor

On the one hand, we often hear that children today spend too much time in front of screens or stuck indoors. On the other hand, when children make use of public spaces, they are seen as a nuisance. Isn't that somewhat contradictory?

Two recent examples in Etterbeek illustrate this issue: Place du Roi Vainqueur and the Paradis des Enfants garden. In both cases, these are outdoor spaces located near primary and nursery schools, currently used by children as places to play and relax. In both cases, proposed projects have sparked controversy among nearby residents. And in both cases, the municipal majority seems tempted to prioritize the peace and quiet of neighbours over the needs of children and their parents.

What does this say about our municipality? That children are no longer welcome unless they remain invisible and silent? At a time when many Brussels families are choosing to leave the city and school enrolment numbers continue to decline, shouldn't we instead be making life easier for young parents and adapting our city to the needs of children? Etterbeek needs families; they are its future.

And whether we like it or not, with or without dedicated facilities, children will continue to play in public spaces. We might as well welcome them with kindness and understanding.