Creating Safe, Welcoming Spaces for Montrose Youth
Let us make awesome places where every kid feels welcome to chill, play, or create without needing money or a special reason to be there.
Our Shared Goal
This initiative is driven by the voices of middle school youth in Montrose and Olathe who shared what matters most to them throughout the spring of 2025.
The goal is simple and civic-minded: trusted neighborhood spaces where young people can gather, play, and create with dignity, safety, and no financial barrier.
Key Insights from Youth Voices
Based on focus groups, workshops, and voting sessions, students provided clear direction on what youth spaces should offer.
Freedom and Fun Matter
Youth ranked activities highest when they were free, fun, and open to everyone.
Hands-On Activities Preferred
Students want places where they can do things: make, build, create, and play (e.g., Maker Space, Safe Paint Rage Room).
Thoughtful Concerns
Students voiced concerns about long-term funding, cost, safety, and ensuring spaces remain youth-centered.
The Top Solutions Voted On By Youth
Students generated and ranked ideas based on what they wanted most in their community. Expand each item for details.
Rank 1
Safe Paint Rage Room
+17 Net
⌄
A safe, supervised place to get messy and creative with paint-filled balloons.
Rank 2
Free Snack Bar Station
+16 Net
⌄
Unlimited free snacks (like Takis, candy, drinks, and even ice cream) at youth spaces.
Rank 3
Maker Space
+13 Net
⌄
Hands-on, practical activities ranging from arts and crafts to welding, 3D printing, and metalworking.
Rank 4
Fun Center Makeover (Russell Stovers)
+13 Net
⌄
Transform the old candy plant into a place with arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, and bowling.
Rank 5
Music Request Jukebox Booth
+11 Net
⌄
A fun, interactive music station where kids pick the playlist.
Rank 6
Borrow a Wheel Library
+10 Net
⌄
Free-to-borrow skateboards and scooters, no cost, just sign out and go.
Three Actions Under Deliberation
These ideas have been developed into three actionable proposals and are currently being reviewed and refined by the Adult Solutions Team and community members in deliberation sessions.
A) Pop-Up Adventures (or Pop-Up Play)
One-day, youth-picked activities inside places teens already frequent (library, rec, parks).
Next Steps and How to Get Involved
Unify Montrose and its partners are committed to co-creating lasting spaces where all youth can thrive.
Adult Solutions Team
Develop pilot programs and gather broader community input this summer.
Community Deliberations
Community members refine and vote on projects with strong support and readiness.
Sustained Youth Leadership
Youth advisory committees and ongoing deliberations keep feedback continuous.
Will you add your voice?
Join us this summer and help shape places where every youth can belong.
Join The Conversation