A new guide showcases local playgrounds for young children in La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau

Tashi Farmilo

A new guide is helping families in La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau discover the best local parks equipped for children five years of age and under. Developed through a partnership between Loisir sport Outaouais, the MRC de La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, and the regional Public Health Directorate, the guide maps out more than 20 municipal playgrounds across the region, offering practical details to support planning family outings.

Each park listing includes descriptions of available amenities, such as washrooms, picnic tables, shaded areas, and parking, as well as photos and links to video tours. The aim is to give parents a clear sense of what to expect, especially in a rural area where some parks may be over half an hour away. The guide’s creators visited each location in person, assessing the parks from a user’s perspective to ensure the information is grounded in real experience.

Beyond convenience, the guide promotes the importance of outdoor play for early childhood development. Citing health research and community expertise, it encourages unstructured activity to support children’s physical, emotional, and social growth. It also offers tips for parents on balancing safety with the freedom kids need to explore, take risks, and engage with the natural environment.

By highlighting the region’s parks in detail and making them more accessible, the guide invites families to make the most of the warmer months through regular, active play in their communities. Whether it’s a nearby green space or a destination park for a weekend outing, the guide aims to turn everyday adventures into meaningful childhood memories.

To download the guide, please visit the following link: https://www.urlso.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Guide-des-equipements-0-5-ans-1.pdf