Success StoryYouth Civic Design



Youth Civic Design

Author: Cameron Correll

Planning Unit: Community & Economic Development (CEDIK)

Major Program: Community Design/Creative Placemaking

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

After securing a State GEER grant in partnership with the local school system, a program enhancing community engagement and mental health has been planned for Clark County. Part of this program is a Youth Civic Design program. The first 5-week segment of this program introduced design thinking principles centered around designing a painted crosswalk. Youth first identified what things important to different community sectors based on age or ability. After considering different viewpoints, the youth determined several crosswalks in the downtown area that would benefit from a painted crosswalk as a traffic calming measure. While working in groups, the youth identified and designed three potential crosswalk designs based on visuals representing their community. We then coached the youth on how to present a proposal to the City Commission. They had the opportunity to present their work to the commission, discuss the design and importance, and receive approval and funding to complete the project. For the final design of the crosswalk, we combined the three student designs into one piece with the help of a community graphic designer. During a community concert, the designated crosswalk was painted with the assistance of the youth and community members attending the event. Many students started the process with their only connection being they enjoyed creating art. Many remarked after that, their understanding of civic art and design increased; most said they wanted to lead more projects like this again.