Workshop Summaries

Teen Workshops Summary & Observations 

Setting:  

Both teen workshops took place during after-school programs. 

  1. Boys & Girls Club Teen room 

  2. MB LIT Teens at Chapin Library 

Teens were given the challenge to design their ideal park. The challenge involved 3-stages. Each stage provided more constraints and finally narrowed in on Futrell Park specifically. 

Observations & Takeaways 

Most mentioned amenities during first two stages: 

  1. Digital Infrastructure – Wifi 

  2. Swinging benches (Like in Market Common) 

  3. Bathrooms 

  4. Shady Hangout Spots 

  5. Mist/Place to cool off 

  6. Water bottle filler (at water fountain) 

  7. Somewhere close to easily buy food (food trucks/small stores/vendors) 

Workout trails were not initially mentioned, but when we brought them up, they were positively supported. 

Splash pads were strongly supported by one group of teens, and hesitantly supported by another. The hesitant group had questions about time of day that it would be on, and if it would attract people experiencing homelessness. When asked if their younger siblings would enjoy it, they strongly agreed that younger kids would love it. One kid noted that it is a seasonal amenity, making it less ideal. 

Basketball courts were discussed. Both times, the teens agreed that it took up a lot of space. Both groups were aware of the court in Carver Apartments and hoped for that court to be improved. 

Futrell Park Workshops (Seniors & Children):  

Setting: 

Two workshops took place under the pavilions at Futrell Park. One session took place during the afterschool hours when the bus drops kids off, and the other took place in the morning. Maps were set out on a table with pictures of ideas and post-it notes to write comments. People were encouraged to write in the white space on the map. Snacks and Refreshments appropriate for the time of day were provided at both. The first mentioned was targeted to attract families and kids. The latter was intended for seniors. Ultimately, we saw between 30-40 individuals, and collected 25 sets of remarks. Some groups of people provided their remarks together. Members of the action team were present to write on the maps and practice active listening. 

Summary of common observations / themes from action team’s active listening: 

Dustin  

  • Security and Homeless concerns 

  • Benches and Swings (bench swings) 

  • Bathrooms were typically suggested, and then concerns followed the suggestion 

  • Splash pad and fitness trail discussion was generally positive 

Tonya 

  • Restrooms needed, Safety was top priority 

  • Parents wanted updated playground 

  •  More seniors/elderly supported exercise 

  • Surprised that lighting was not mentioned 

Danielle 

  • Concerns about washing in the splash pad 

  • Elderly / Senior supported exercise 

  • Swings / Benches (swinging benches) 

Meagan 

  • One large pavilion instead of two small pavilions 

  • Splash Pad/Bathrooms were generally supported with partnered concerns about clean&safe 

  • Swinging Benches and Fitness Trail were most mentioned 

Freda 

  • Young kids / teens frequently mentioned basketball 

  • Cleanliness 

  • Updated playground equipment