Parents demand extended hours for community centers and swimming pools in Reykjavík

A large meeting concerning the safety and well-being of children and adolescents took place in Safamýrinn, concluding around 9 PM. Parents expressed concerns about youth activities and the need for extended hours for community centers and swimming pools in Reykjavík.

In a statement from the Parents’ Village, which represents the boards of nine elementary schools in Laugardalur, Háaleiti, and Bústaðahverfi, parents called for the city of Reykjavík to do everything within its power to enhance the welfare and safety of children. They highlighted the necessity to extend the opening hours of community centers and swimming pools, arguing that recent reductions in these hours are detrimental.

Parents emphasized the importance of professional activities in community centers, asserting that these spaces provide essential environments for children and teens to gather and engage in constructive interactions. Issues were raised regarding teenagers frequenting a Hagkaup store, now selling alcohol, and the longer operating hours of vape shops compared to community centers.

The meeting underscored the need for improved facilities near school youth divisions and extended evening and weekend hours for swimming pools. Parents found it perplexing that during times when teenagers often want to socialize, there are limited options for healthy recreational activities. They demand an increase in services for youth commensurate with the rising number of children in the area, urging against cuts in services aimed at supporting children and adolescents.