A planning project initiated by students of K.T. Murphy Elementary School in Stamford, Connecticut is finally coming to fruition seven years after students made a presentation and handed a petition to the Stamford Planning Board. Along with photos and a model, 13 students, representing their school, requested that the City acquire property adjacent to the school to expand the school to include more green play space.

Now in their freshman year in high school, these young people attended the meeting held on June 5, 2006 as the Board of Representatives unanimously voted in favor of the capital request. This planning milestone was originally catalyzed by the City of Stamford’s effort to update its Master Plan which included a program to involve young people in the process. By engaging the Stamford school children, planners of the Planning Board hoped to engage their parents in a more inclusive community participation component. Initiated in 1999, the Planning Oriented School Program focused on four schools: two elementary including K.T. Murphy Elementary School, one middle school, and a high school.

By approving the purchase, the students’ dream became reality. And, according to The Advocate reporter Don Russell, “this is a perfect example of how getting involved in governmental procedures may develop future community leaders.”

Contact: Erin McKenna, Senior Planner, City of Stamford Planning Board, at (203) 977-4715 or via email: emckenna[at]ci.stamford.ct.us