Youth Space – A Place for Intergenerational Connection

Youth Space – A Place for Intergenerational Connection

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As part of the Vsi v mesto (Everyone to the City) project, several studies were conducted on urban lifestyles and the needs of residents. One key finding was that young people prefer to gather outdoors—under the market hall, in front of the high school, or at the skate park, where they also engage in sports activities such as rollerblading and skateboarding. However, these spaces are unsuitable for such activities, including the existing skate park, which is too small, has elements that are too challenging for beginners, and is located next to a parking lot.

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For this reason, the Municipality of Kočevje, together with project partners, has undertaken the construction of a new skate park in the city center on an empty green area near schools and sports fields. This will provide a space for people of different generations to train and engage in recreational activities. At the same time, the park is designed as a multifunctional space, also suitable for smaller events. Additionally, a simple shelter with seating will be installed, creating a space for socializing between younger and older generations.

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As part of the project, several workshops will be organized, focusing on intergenerational collaboration (such as painting the skate park, skateboarding and rollerblading workshops, video production workshops, and cleanup actions). One of the project’s goals is to introduce youth street work in cooperation with Ljudska univerza Kočevje and volunteers who will be trained to work with young people outdoors, in urban spaces. This approach will help engage young people and the local community in finding solutions for shaping shared public spaces.

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Project partners:

Ljudska univerza Kočevje

Center for Youth Culture Kočevje

POYEK Tomaž Poje s.p.

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The project was approved by the Managing Board of LAS Po poteh dediščine od Turjaka do Kolpe in the 9th public call of LAS.

The investment is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.

Total project co-financing amount: €93,776.64

European Cohesion Policy in Slovenia: www.eu-skladi.si