Youth Needs & Voices

The youth of Western Heights are important voices in the future of the neighborhood. During two working sessions, young people laid out what was important to them, what they needed, and their dreams for the future of Western Heights. The younger children at Beaumont’s summer camp had a drawing and dreaming session to come up with ideas for the new park. They shared ideas about free healthy snacks, water play areas, slides and climbing areas, and making the park accessible for kids in wheelchairs. Another group of young people gathered at the Boys & Girls Club in Western Heights. They identified concerns around safety, violence, and not feeling protected. In the future, these young people want indoor and outdoor play spaces, and they want a safe, beautiful neighborhood. The young people at Western Heights will continue to be involved in planning and deciding what is right for their neighborhood.

What problems need to be addressed? » Gangs and people who don’t live in Western

Heights causing trouble » Violence, fighting, and shooting » Littering » People being mean to each other » Bugs » Not feeling protected » Speeding cars and unsafe walking conditions » Afraid of or do not trust the police What are the best things about Western Heights? » Making new friends » Playing in parks » The Boys & Girls Club (basketball court, tech class, arts and crafts, hula hoops, and great staff)

What should people understand about engaging with young people in Western Heights?

The big kids want a space separate from the little kids!

Western Heights Boys & Girls Club Member

What programs would you want to have? » Music » Playground (with turf) » Indoor and/or outdoor pool » Outside activities » Art station » Arcade » Skate-park » More safety » Dance station » Football field » Basketball court » Trampoline » Bounce house What is your dream for your home and neighborhood? » New members at the Boys & Girls Club » Movie night once a week » No violence » More police so it can be a better community » Protection from gun violence » Petting zoo » Kid night club night (with music and dancing) » New Boys & Girls Club » Affordable places to live » Slides » Water park » I want Western Heights to be a great place » Nice and respectful place to live » Music club

2,630

People living in the neighborhood boundary in 2021

Traditional families with children

Single heads-ofhouseholds with children

Households without children

9%

35% 980

Households in the neighborhood boundary in 2021

56%

13%

of the annual potential market in can pay greater than $1,000/month