Boulder Civic Area Project with Prekindergarteners and their Families

During fall 2012, teachers worked with families and children to gather ideas for improving the Boulder Civic Area.  In preparation for the December 5 Civic Area Beta Test, observations and documentation of the children's experiences were analyzed.  Teachers and families designated 5 themes within the children's ideas and recommendations.  We view this culmination as a beginning rather than an end, and plan to work with the children and families in 2013 to develop the gathered ideas.  We view this as an important opportunity to not only engage the children in Civic Planning, but as an opportunity to study science, technology, mathematics, and engineering within a context of creativity and imagination.    

“This is the Municipal Building. This is the water and the ducks, and a rainbow. These are more ducks, just on land. This is the waterfall. That’s the place next to the Municipal Building where we ate snack. This is the bus stop.” -Josh

Three Assumptions 
Guide our Work:

1...Young children have a great deal to teach us about possibilities for planning public spaces, specifically the Boulder Civic Area.
2...In order to gather the children’s opinions in a meaningful way, we have to offer them the time, space, and resources necessary to gain a strong understanding of the project.
3...In order to know the context of the children’s opinions, we must involve their families, since they primarily visit the Boulder Civic Area together.

The children visited and studied the space throughout the Fall of 2012.

Click here to learn more about our process

In January 2013, the children and teachers reviewed proposed designs.

Click here to view the children's opinions on designs

Scroll down to view the children's recommendations for the 
Boulder Civic Area:

RESEARCH PROCESS

CHILDREN'S OPINIONS

"The children delighted in exploring the space in a very physical way. They jumped from stairs, climbed on rocks, balanced on ledges and ran along paths. Any objects they encountered along the way became a tool for exploration. I'd love to see more spaces, explicitly created for children, for that kind of active play in the Civic Area. 
I see the potential for a space that is 
engaging, inviting, and alive."
 -Anna, Wyatt’s Mom