City of Westminster, Colorado: Kids' Coloring Book

The City of Westminster’s Community Development Department—Planning Division recently unveiled a 16-page youth activity and coloring book titled “Let’s Have Fun in Westminster by Becoming a Junior City Planner!” 

Created initially from presentations to third graders on the topics of planning and how a city grows, the activity book seeks to educate Westminster youth on city planning. From site planning, to drainage, to transportation, not many people understand how City Planners deal with such varied topics. By simplifying the information so it can be taught on an elementary-school level, Westminster employees made this booklet a valuable tool for educators when teaching city planning.

“Part of the day-to-day job of a city planner is to educate the public on planning, and this activity book provides insight into the profession,” said the book's creator, and City Urban Designer, Sean McCartney.

Drawn by McCartney, with input from local school teachers and feedback from staff in the Planning Division, this activity book will be handed out to participating schools with additional copies available at the Planning/Building counter, as well as on the City’s web site.

“The book features two characters, Cleo the Cow and Sammy the Squirrel, who take the reader through an interactive, comic-book format where students [can learn about] city planning through reading and coloring,” said McCartney. “There are also various activities, such as site planning and map-reading exercises..." 

Once the participant has completed their activity book, they receive a sticker announcing them as “Junior City Planners.” As a Junior City Planner, the participant promises to be a good citizen, be a good neighbor, and do all they can to make their community a great place to live in. Just like a City Planner does.