By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 9: Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) autism-friendly Ausome Park is serving as a reference for Penang Island City Council (MBPP) as it explores ways to develop more inclusive public spaces for children with autism and their families.
The Mayor of Penang Island led an MBPP delegation on a study visit to Ausome Park to learn about its planning, development, and management, including its facilities, safety measures, park design, and community involvement.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the visit gave both councils an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore ways to make public facilities more accessible to children with different needs.
“Every child should have the opportunity to play and enjoy our public parks. For families with children with autism, a visit to a park should be an experience where they feel comfortable, welcomed and included,” he said.
Wee said Ausome Park reflects MBKS’s commitment to considering the needs of children with different abilities when developing community facilities.
He added that the initiative supports Kuching South’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), which focuses on children’s wellbeing, protection, development, and participation.
“When we plan a public space, we need to understand who uses it and what they need. Listening to families and the community helps us make better decisions about the facilities we provide,” he said.
Ausome Park recently received the JCI Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Award under SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, in recognition of its contribution towards creating a public space that welcomes children with different needs and their families.
Commenting on the recognition, Wee said the award encouraged MBKS to continue improving access to inclusive public spaces.
“The value of Ausome Park is in what it means to the children and families who use it. The award recognises that effort and reminds us to continue working towards a city where everyone has a place,” he said.
Wee also welcomed further exchanges between MBKS and MBPP, expressing hope that the visit would help develop more public spaces that meet the needs of children with autism and their families. — DayakDaily
