The discussion revolves around identifying and addressing gaps in recreational areas for youth, particularly in Tacoma. The Tacoma Mall area and downtown are recognized focus areas, but a “Chroma area” is highlighted as a gap due to a lack of 10-minute walk access and forecasted growth, despite kids reportedly hanging out there. Opportunities to address these gaps include partnering with organizations in the Chroma area, acquiring land, or developing partnerships.
The former Madison school site is mentioned as a potential redevelopment opportunity in conversation with Tacoma Public Schools. Matt emphasizes the value of direct testimonies from youth, particularly through methods like those used currently in which feedback is gathered directly from students in classrooms, rather than relying solely on online surveys or pop-up events. As an example, youth are prompted to color in areas on maps where they feel safe, unsafe, spend the most time, etc. This data can reveal what youth are truly interested in, such as natural spaces and trees, and inform redevelopment efforts.
Matt and Alisa emphasize the importance of safe street networks for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly for middle school students who are often walking to places like parks. They highlight that investing in these pathways, supported by AMP data, benefits young people and the community as a whole.
Additionally, Alisa discusses a field study in collaboration with Tacoma Schools to create more opportunities for physical activity and play, especially after school. This study involves assessing existing fields throughout Tacoma to ensure there’s enough outdoor space, taking into account popular activities and the specific needs of different parts of town. The goal is equitable, not equal, distribution of recreational facilities.
Speakers at the meeting discuss how to improve community planning and engagement, particularly regarding recreational facilities and youth mental health. They highlight the need to be more responsive to user needs and to use data for smarter investments.
Key discussion points:
- Data-driven planning: Matt explains how data showed that baseball interest among Latino youth in Tacoma continues through high school, but field locations are misaligned. This indicates a need for more equitable and accessible planning beyond club sports.
- Partnerships and demographics: Tanya asks about partnering with agencies for urban planning trends, especially concerning demographic shifts and where children will live in the future. Alisa mentions having a demographer on board to address this.
- School engagement: Vanessa, who works with schools in Franklin Pierce and Clover Park districts on mental health, asks how to connect and get more information from these areas. Matt shares their approach of “offering” opportunities to involve students in their planning process, using a deployable lesson plan where students discuss spending a million dollars in their neighborhood and complete a survey. They find enthusiastic teachers are key to spreading the program.
- Youths’ mental health: Vanessa highlights the growth of Kids’ Mental Health Washington, funded legislatively, and the need to scale their technical support team.
Libraries as impact hubs: Matt discusses a new initiative with Pierce County and Tacoma Public Libraries to provide access to their data through “impact hubs” on computers or tablets. This data offers a “coarser version” of insights (e.g., low mobility, high friction, low play scores) to help communities identify areas for improvement and write grant reports. Tacoma libraries will also host programs where kids can analyze data and build advocacy plans for change in their communities. - Eastside Community Center success: Matt presents the Eastside Community Center as a visible example of data-driven, transformative investment. Initial data showed the area as “bright red” (a tough area), and after the center was built, it took a couple of years and adjustments to programming (making it more focused on local interests) to see a positive transformation. This demonstrates the long-term impact of collaboration and responsive programming.
- Skate park projects: Lance asks for updates on skate park initiatives. Alisa details two projects:
Stewart Heights skate park expansion: In partnership with the skate community, they are expanding the bowl with ARPA funding. Community funds are being raised by Ryan Spence to improve the flat plaza for newer skaters. - New skate park under I-705 (District 2): This project, funded by participatory budgeting, involves a community meeting to flesh out the design, including community art, under the freeway. The chosen location at I-705 and Kewanee Avenue ties into other area projects like improvements to Kewanee Avenue (for biking access) and a stormwater project, aiming for a comprehensive community space with natural elements, art, and active transportation connectivity. Matt confirms their involvement in consulting on site selection.
