As a class assignment, nearly 150 high school students shared their ideas for improvements to Sorensen Park in Lake Los Angeles, California.

In planning and designing new facilities, park and recreation agencies typically seek public input through a meeting or a series of meetings. However, such meetings may not be the most effective way to obtain input that reflects all segments of communities and their diverse viewpoints. Children (under 18 years of age), for example, are often underrepresented or not represented at all. This is certainly alarming but not entirely surprising, considering that the formal or rigid nature of most public meetings can intimidate and discourage kids of all ages from openly sharing their ideas and thoughts. Given that children are key park users and parks contribute significantly to their development and quality of life, we must be intentional and creative in how we engage them in the planning and design of parks, as explained in the article "Engaging Children in the Park Planning Process."
Local educators may serve as important partners in efforts to reach out to the youth, as explained in this Antelope Valley Press article. Recently, nearly 150 students from Littlerock High School in Southern California contributed their thoughts on proposed improvements to Stephen Sorensen Park as part of a writing assignment and survey completed in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This is all thanks to teacher Joanie Haynes, who decided to get students involved and provide their input during a public comment period for various proposed improvements to Sorensen Park. The students responded to a survey with questions like whether they had ever visited the park, what improvements they would like to see, and what might encourage them to visit the park. Students then had to support their responses with short essays.
FULL STORY: Students propose park improvements

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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