Engaging Youth in the Planning Process

Walking Reflections

Abstract

For places to become more youth-friendly we must give them a voice in the design of the urban spaces with which they interact each day. We describe an exploratory research method to include youth in the planning process: walking reflections. We sought to discover youths’ perceptions of three contrasting places in Boise, Idaho—a park, the downtown, and an urban arterial. Participants in the study were asked to walk through pre-planned routes, noting observations and answering questions when each walk was completed. Emergent themes revealed in the qualitative data included multi-sensory perception, design, ambiance, ecology, visual changes, and the diversity of uses. Results show teens are a heterogeneous group with contrasting preferences. We conclude the walking reflection is a viable method for planners to use to engage youth in meaningful conversations about place, with each other and with planners, in order to generate insights largely overlooked by traditional methods.