Networks and cities' news

Bringing Life Back to Public Spaces: The Revival of the Park Near Corfu’s Correctional Facilities

What was once a vandalized, neglected space filled with garbage is now starting to show signs of new life! Thanks to the URBACT Re-Gen initiative, led by Kapodistriaki Development S.A. in collaboration with the Municipality of Central Corfu and the Diapontian Islands, the park near the Correctional Facilities of Corfu is transforming into a welcoming public space.

Unlocking Public Spaces for Youth Engagement: A Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition

Public spaces are more than recreational areas; they hold the potential to become dynamic hubs for promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and social interaction among young people aged 10-18. Yet, in many cities, these vital spaces remain underused or inaccessible to youth, either by design or neglect. The Re-GEN URBACT Action planning network has taken up the challenge to redesign public spaces in such a way that they become vital arenas where the youngsters can gather, express themselves and connect with their communities.

In the context of increasing health concerns[1], innovative strategies that merge outdoor activities and nutrition education can foster lifelong healthy habits. Drawing on successful examples from across Europe and also outside of Europe, this article explores how local governments and communities can effectively transform public spaces into vibrant centers for youth engagement.

Transforming Public Spaces with Youth Engagement in Pula

As part of the Re-Gen project, Pula is transforming underused public spaces into vibrant sports centers, promoting creativity, collaboration and a sense of belonging among the city's youth. By reusing these areas, Pula is breathing new life into its urban landscape. Through workshops, events and creative actions, the project has become a cornerstone of urban revitalization and active community participation.

Dobrich Hosted the Third Main Meeting of Re-Gen Project

In October 15-16, 2024, the Municipality of Dobrich, in partnership with the Association of Bulgarian Black Sea Municipalities, hosted the third main meeting of the Re-Gen project. The Municipality of Verona - leading partner and all partner municipalities in the project, the leading expert of URBACT and a representative of the Secretariat of URBACT took part in the event, where they were welcomed by Mr. P. Pavlov, Deputy Mayor "Strategic Development and Economy" and Mr. Mrs. N. Ivanova, chairperson of the permanent committee "Sports, education and youth activities".

Testing of public grounds in Lehza

The Municipality of Lezha - within the framework of the Re - Gen project and the National Youth Day - started the first testing of sports activities on public spaces that can be turned into outdoor and indoor sports fields.

During this day, children and youth from different schools in Lezha were engaged in various sports games such as ping-pong, volleyball, basketball, sports dance and chess.

At this stage of the project, the Municipality of Lezha aims to empower youth through sports activities, improving infrastructure and sports clubs, and encouraging active participation of youth in decision-making processes.

One of the goals of the project is to create opportunities for talent development and encourage youth engagement in positive activities, strengthening ties between the community and the local institution.
 

Municipality of Lezha, Albania.

Sportsgrounds of the Future: How Cities Are Rethinking Public Space for Adolescents' Wellbeing

Urban spaces often reveal the character of a city. They are places of movement, stillness, interaction, and solitude. For adolescents, however, public spaces are much more than physical environments—they are stages for self-expression, arenas for competition, and places for belonging. Yet, in many cities, these vital spaces remain underused or inaccessible to youth, either by design or neglect.

Adolescence is a transformative stage of life, marked by the search for identity, independence, and social belonging. Cities play a critical role in shaping these experiences; however, too often, urban environments fail to cater to the specific needs of young people. Thoughtfully designed public spaces can become vital arenas where adolescents gather, express themselves, and connect with their communities. However, these spaces must be more than functional; they must resonate with the energy and aspirations of youth.

The Re-Gen network of cities—spanning from Southern Europe to the Baltic—has embraced this challenge. Each city has embarked on a distinctive journey to test how sports and recreational activities can rejuvenate public spaces and empower adolescents. These cities are experimenting with bold solutions to make public spaces more inviting for their youngest residents, involving them in the process. The key? Sports and recreation, woven seamlessly into the urban fabric.