What do children think could help revitalize the Parramore community in Downtown Orlando? A grocery store, swimming pool and bowling alley, to name just a few ideas developed this summer by children at Nap Ford Community School.
As part of the school’s summer academy for gifted students, 25 children were tasked with creating a revitalization plan for Parramore. But this wasn’t some writing lesson. The children, ages 8 to 11, developed an elaborate-scale model to represent their concept of community. Dubbed “Box City,” the colorful display shows what they love about what’s there now and what they think could make it even better.
“As we continue to revitalize Parramore and other communities across Orlando, it’s paramount that we educate our children on how they also can make a positive impact,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Having them participate in a program like this today will make for a better community tomorrow.”
During the two-week, innovative program, professional planners and government officials, including Circuit Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., were brought in to engage and encourage the children to become change agents for the community. Speakers also discussed urban planning and zoning. In the Box City, the children used existing buildings and landmarks and created new ones to show their vision for the future. That future includes the Amway Center, Florida A&M University College of Law, the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media, churches, parks, the Wells’ Built Museum and several new features, such as a community pool, bowling alley, bridal shop, grocery store and a market for fresh fruit.
“Nap Ford is consistently pushing the envelope with the programs offered to its students, and this one is no different,” said Thomas Chatmon, executive director of the Orlando Downtown Development Board. “It’s impressive to see the community through our children’s eyes.”
The 8-by-8 Box City will be on display during normal business hours in the rotunda at Orlando City Hall through Friday, Oct. 21. The children’s creation will be back on display as part of Nap Ford’s annual fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 10, at The MEZZ, 100 S. Eola Drive.
The summer program at Nap Ford was funded through private donations and the Legacy Trust for Orlando Children fund of the Community Foundation of Central Florida. At completion of the program, each child received a Kindle and a $50 gift certificate for Amazon.com.
