Office of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation
Naturally PSL: Outreach for Neighborhood Gathering Spaces & UF / IFAS
The Naturally PSL Green Spaces & Places Team continued to make progress through crossdepartmental collaboration, community partnerships and resident outreach.
Naturally PSL: Neighborhood Green Spaces
In partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department, the team conducted two rounds of community outreach to ensure the design of the upcoming neighborhood gathering space reflects residents’ needs and priorities. The cross-departmental team hosted a community meeting where residents shared their personal connections to the space and voiced their ideas. This was followed by an online survey and a walking audit, where neighbors, City staff and a certified arborist walked through the site together. During the walk, residents not only learned about the City’ s plans to preserve the natural character of the space but also helped identify key design priorities for this pilot green space.
Cultivating Conservation Partnerships with UF / IFAS
To expand hand-on opportunities for residents to participate in environmental stewardship, the team met with the University of Florida IFAS extension in St. Lucie County to explore potential partnerships that would support the mission of Naturally PSL Conservation Corps. The team brainstormed opportunities for volunteer events and community projects such as community cleanups, exotic species removal and youth-led initiatives. The goal of this partnership is to foster deeper community connection to the city’ s natural environment while advancing learning opportunities and environmental stewardship.
Youth Council High Performance Public Space Committee
www. CityofPSL. com
On May 15, the Youth Council High Performance Public Spaces committee concluded its work from this academic year. The final committee session focused on reflecting on what the group learned over the academic year, and shared thoughtful feedback on the upcoming Torino Regional Park. The youth team’ s design vision was informed by the principal of HPPS: creating public spaces that bring economic, social and environmental benefits. The youth team presented ideas including flexible gathering zones, wellness amenities and environmental learning features that encourage Discovery and Connection, two key themes that emerged during design sessions. The Naturally PSL team looks forward to continuing the collaboration with Youth Council in the next academic year to elevate youth voices in public space planning.
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