Building Cities for Kids, Building Communities for All

At Spur and Sprout, we believe in the power of designing communities around the needs of children, and by extension, families, seniors, and every generation. A recent family trip to Cincinnati gave our Communications Lead, Jonathan Desmarais a living, joyful reminder of what’s possible when a city puts kids at the center of its planning. Here are his thoughts:

A City That Welcomes Families

The free and accessible streetcar

Our first stop was the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, an experience that lit up our four-year-old’s imagination and left the adults just as engaged. Afterwards, we hopped on the electric streetcar. It was free, stroller-friendly, and easy to use; a small detail with a big impact. Accessible, family-friendly transit isn’t just a convenience; it shapes how families move through a city and who feels welcome to participate in public life.

Washington Park drove the lesson home. The park seamlessly blended spaces for all ages: an outdoor bar for adults, a stage hosting live performances, a nature-inspired play space for kids, fountains to splash in, and shaded seating where grandparents and caregivers could rest. It wasn’t just a park; it was a true intergenerational gathering space.

We noticed playgrounds strategically placed near major destinations like the Great American Ball Park and Findlay Market. Families didn’t have to choose between errands, culture, and kids’ needs; the city had already made that choice for them, prioritizing both. And scattered murals added color, creativity, and curiosity to nearly every block.

Cincinnati's Washington Park, an intergenerational community space

Why Philanthropy Matters

Cincinnati didn’t get here by accident. Investments from public agencies, nonprofit partners, and philanthropic leaders have made these family-centered amenities possible. Grants, corporate sponsorships, and charitable giving help seed the kinds of projects that cities alone might not prioritize in their budgets.

Philanthropy plays a unique role: it can accelerate projects, fill funding gaps, and ensure equity. Whether it’s underwriting a free transit system, supporting public art, or building inclusive play spaces, philanthropic investment helps transform kid-centered design from vision to reality. These investments ripple outward, strengthening economic resilience, boosting tourism, and creating healthier, more compassionate communities.

Building for Kids, Building for Everyone

When we build for kids, we build stronger places for all. Safer crosswalks and slower streets protect every pedestrian. Accessible transit benefits seniors and people with disabilities. Creative, playful design sparks joy for residents and visitors alike.

Cities designed with children in mind are more walkable, equitable, and future-ready. They are compassionate communities where families thrive, local economies grow, and everyone, from the youngest to the oldest has a place to belong.

At Spur and Sprout, we’re inspired by Cincinnati’s example and encouraged by the role philanthropy plays in making it possible. Together, we can keep building communities that are engaging, inclusive, and ready for generations to come.