4/30/26 - zapata academy design charrette
Location:
Zapata Academy
Description:
On April 30th, 2026, we hosted a design session with students from the Zapata Academy to better understand how they experience and imagine the future park space. During the session, we shared information about the project, walked the site together, and asked experiential questions to help students engage with the scale and character of the lot. While visiting the site, we celebrated Día de los Niños with ice cream!
The students, representatives of the school’s Student Voice Committee, also conducted their own survey and gathered 118 responses from their peers. They presented their findings to the project team, highlighting a desire for safe spaces to play sports, gather with friends, and provide play opportunities for younger children. To close the session, students created bubble diagrams exploring potential site layouts and were invited to develop graphic ideas for large-scale letter signage.
Presentation:
Takeaway:
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The design charrette and conversations with students from the Student Voice Committee at Zapata Academy revealed strong support for transforming the site into a safe, vibrant, and multifunctional community space. Students envisioned recreational amenities such as sports courts, playgrounds, including trees, gardens, shaded seating, and native landscaping.
The Students also emphasized the importance of cultural expression through murals, art, and community programming, while prioritizing safety, accessibility, and spaces that support relaxation, learning, and social connection for residents of all ages.
“Create a space where students can be active and enjoy play”
