Orlando, FL, 1996

Charlie Compton, planning director in Lexington County, South Carolina and Diane Smucny, a planning consultant from Newburgh Heights, Ohio, brought their “Kids City” program to the APA National Planning Conference for an all-day demonstration. Children from the Orlando area joined the children of conference attendees and planners in creating a city in a hotel conference room.

Bright yellow construction signs marked the way to the Kids City location, drawing in observers and participants. A large topographic map covered the floor. It showed natural features and the street grid for the city. First stop for the young participants was the building-making table, where they constructed their own building. Next, they looked for a location for their building. Obviously, the next step was to visit the Kids City planning officials and staff at various “offices” to get reviews of their projects and obtain the building permits. Finally, they were given permission to place their building in the city map.

Here's how Compton and Smucny described the event:

“Imagine a city built by kids for kids and governed by kids. Come watch Kids City grow right before your eyes, complete with Main Street, town hall, homes, schools and parks. Kids and planners are welcome to add their own special touches. Come by any time during the day and watch students handle several decades of growth.”

The event required several hours of set-up and tear down and was open for business all day.