inclusion of youth voice in planning + design of outdoor public space

“We didn’t think when we petitioned the City for a playground 2 years ago that it would actually happen. I was only 12 and I didn’t think the City would take me seriously… but now it is happening + it’s exciting! It’s fun to be helping out in our community.

– Teen planner + designer of “The Hangout””
Mayor Svante Myrick proclaimed November 6, 2017 as Northside United Youth Empowerment Day in the City of Ithaca! (Teen Designers of 'The Hangout')

Mayor Svante Myrick proclaimed November 6, 2017 as Northside United Youth Empowerment Day in the City of Ithaca! (Teen Designers of 'The Hangout')

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) International Treaty

ARTICLE 31

“THAT EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO REST AND LEISURE, TO ENGAGE IN PLAY AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES APPROPRIATE TO THE AGE OF THE CHILD AND TO PARTICIPATE FREELY IN CULTURAL LIFE AND THE ARTS.”

THE CRC IS THE MOST WIDELY RATIFIED INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY - PROTECTING AND RESPECTING THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WORLDWIDE. SINCE 1989, 195 OF 196 STATE-PARTIES HAVE RATIFIED THE CRC...LEAVING THE UNITED STATES AS THE SOLE COUNTRY NOT TO RATIFY THE CRC.