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Lakewood youth propose 'third-space' asset mapping to create safe, low-cost places for teens
Summary
The youth council proposed an asset-mapping project to identify and promote local 'third spaces' — free or low-cost locations (YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, local businesses, libraries) — and suggested partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and incentivizing participating businesses with recognition.
The facilitator proposed that youth lead a community asset-mapping project to find existing 'third spaces' where young people already gather and to explore opportunities to partner with businesses and nonprofits. "So what I ask of all of us so we've got this community, asset mapping," the facilitator said, urging members to start identifying spaces and caring adults who make those places safe.
Speakers emphasized that third spaces should be varied to match different youth preferences and recommended creating vetting criteria for businesses and nonprofits that volunteer space. The group discussed aligning that work with the master plan for Colonial Plaza and with CSAB funding streams so the youth voice can inform near-term improvements and outreach campaigns.
