At Planning NEXT, we believe in the power of creativity to shape the future of our communities, fueled by pushing the boundaries of community engagement. Recently, our team gathered for a “lunch-and-learn” session led by Andrew Souders, inspired by the engagement methods found in the book Dream Play Build: Hands-On Community Engagement for Enduring Spaces and Places by James Rojas and John Kamp. This book challenges traditional public engagement and explores how art, storytelling, and play can spark meaningful discussions about community change.
Andrew guided us through the book’s key concepts, focusing on its central methodology, “Place It!”—a hands-on, interactive approach that transforms community engagement into an inspiring, fun, and inclusive experience. Following the discussion, the team rolled up their sleeves for a creative exercise: reimagining what Central Ohio could look like in 2050. In groups of four, the team used the book’s engagement tactics to envision the future of our community.
This exercise reminded us of the importance of stepping out of conventional planning processes and embracing creative approaches that foster connection and innovation. As we continue to work with communities, these lessons will inform how we design and lead more engaging and impactful public processes!
