Harmar ELEMENTARY SITE

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

>>> OVERVIEW

The City of Marietta engaged young residents, specifically those ages 5-17, to help brainstorm what they’d like to see happen at the Harmar Elementary site. Including the Marietta youth in engagement activities brought a unique perspective, broadened the possibilities for the site’s redevelopment, and involved young residents for whom community projects will serve for years to come. Additionally, it ensured that a variety of stakeholders who represent Marietta—especially youth, who typically don’t have a voice in decision-making—had the opportunity to give input and be heard.

Two surveys were created for youth feedback—one geared toward elementary-age children and the other for middle to high school students. Additionally, students were provided with an optional drawing prompt that allowed them to bring their vision for the site to life. The majority of students participated in the survey and/or created their site drawings as part of a class project.

Full Survey Results can be found HERE.

>>> RESULTS: SURVEY TAKEN AS A CLASS

DATA SUMMARY
3 kindergarten classes and 1 first grade class from Washington Elementary took the survey together with their classmates, and the results highlighted recurring youth preferences for the Harmar Elementary property. A splash pad was the overwhelming preferred facility by students in this age range, followed closely by arcades, parks, paths, and playgrounds. When asked what they’d most like to do on the property, students ranked games, celebratory events/festivals, and recreation at the top.

WHAT SHOULD BE DEVELOPED AT THE SITE

(Percentages reflect respondents who identified a category as one of their top five priorities.)

TOP 5 SITE ACTIVITIES RANKED BY IMPORTANCE

1. Games
2. Celebratory Events/Festivals
Recreational Activities
3. Music/Theater Performances
4. Hobby Classes/Activities
5. Exhibitions

>>> RESULTS: SURVEY TAKEN AS AN INDIVIDUAL

DATA SUMMARY
21 fifth grade students from Marietta Elementary took the survey individually with the help of an adult, and survey results highlighted recurring youth preferences for the Harmar Elementary property. Four of the top five priorities for what should be developed at the site fell within the categories of entertainment, sports, and recreation. When asked what they’d most like to do on the property, students ranked games, along with cultural and educational activities, at the top.

WHAT SHOULD BE DEVELOPED AT THE SITE.

(Percentages reflect respondents who identified a category as one of their top five priorities.)

TOP 5 SITE ACTIVITIES RANKED BY IMPORTANCE

1. Games
2. Exhibitions
3. Music/Theater Performances
4. Hobby Classes/Activities
5. Celebratory Events/Festivals

DATA SUMMARY
76 elementary-age children submitted drawings depicting what they would like to see happen at the Harmar Elementary Site, including 16 drawings with multi-use concepts. Drawings highlighted recurring youth preferences, with over 20% having a water activity facility, and over 20% with a park/playground. Sports, recreation, and entertainment were popular inclusions, with laser tag and trampoline parks topping the category. Additionally, games and educational features were desired, with repeated preferences for arcades and science exhibitions.