Young people's request for a great basketball court becomes reality
Young people in Breiðholt pitched an idea to renovate the Völvufell basketball court during a meeting with the mayor — and now their wish has come true.
The renovation traces back to a youth meeting that Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir called during Neighborhood Days in Breiðholt last October.
A gathering place worth visiting
The meeting brought together youth council representatives and a group from the 16+ program, who took the opportunity to share their ideas. One proposal was to revamp the basketball court and transform it into an inviting community space.
"The court was in really bad shape, and they talked about how frustrating it was not to be able to use it. They just wanted to play basketball," says Heiða Björg. "I felt this was something we needed to do, and we got right on it."
The mayor says it matters that young people feel their voices count. "It's so rewarding to show that consultation makes a difference — that what young people propose can actually become reality."
The 16+ program as an important prevention tool
The impact has already been felt. Since the repairs, this part of the neighborhood has come alive. "There's just life here in the evenings now — families, young people, and residents of all ages coming together," says Karen Rún Helgadóttir, a representative from the 16+ program. "It's become a real gathering spot."
The 16+ program is designed for young people of high school age, giving them a space to meet and participate in positive social activities.
"This is a vital prevention effort. Not every home can accommodate large groups, so it's essential to create a safe space where young people can connect and stay positively engaged," Karen adds.
The hope is that the basketball court will continue to play a central role in the program and further strengthen the local community.
- News story about the mayor's meeting with young people in October
