Parents have accused Plymouth City Council of promoting "sexist and outdated views" after new paving installed on Armada Way depicted a child holding hands only with an adult female figure.
The stonework forms part of the Armada Way regeneration scheme, a project now costing taxpayers £29.89 million.
Parents told Plymouth Plus the imagery assumes a mother and child relationship as the default and ignores the reality of modern families in Plymouth, including fathers, same sex parents, grandparents, foster carers and guardians.
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Several parents said the design was out of touch and said it was shocking that it was approved as part of a council scheme costing tens of millions of pounds.
Others said it was unacceptable that a city centre space paid for by taxpayers failed to reflect the diversity of the people who use it every day.
Plymouth Plus asked the council why this design was approved at all, whether inclusive or gender neutral options were considered, and whether any alternative designs were explored before it was installed.
Plymouth City Council did not respond to our requests for comment.
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