The Wash isn’t a business or government program. It’s an experiment that explores new ways to support young people getting involved in making a healthier city.
Who we are
Development of The Wash is currently led by Andrew Whitcomb, a Tempe resident and assistant professor of graphic design at Arizona State University. He works on creative possibilities for community-oriented design education.
Background
The idea started through conversations and projects with people involved in the bicycling, urban planning, and community engagement around Phoenix.
Despite all the passion to make our city better, our approaches to community engagement often fall short, reaching a small portion of residents and offering limited support for learning and creativity.
Rather than proposing changes to policy or curriculum, we decided to try and learn-by-doing. The Wash is an experiment in doing community engagement and civic education differently.
Guiding Ideas
Engage creatively
We see planning as a civic process of engaging with questions about how we should live together. Civics can be creative, experimental, and expressive. We want to move beyond abstract principles and support young folks actually building projects out in neighborhoods, getting feedback, and having conversations about the health of our city.
Leverage public space
Parks are one of the few places in our cities that are accessible to people of different ages and abilities. Yet park amenities primarily cater to sports, events, or small children. Parks could offer a reliable, lively gathering space, but they remain dormant most of the time. We seek to activate public parks as spaces where community engagement happens.
Create local value
The usual funding for community engagement and civic education comes through government programs or charitable grants. We want to be accountable our neighbors—not politicians or foundations—so we aim to create spaces, offerings, and activities that local residents want to invest in. Money spent at The Wash is a clear sign that people value what it brings to the community.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in joining this journey, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re excited to find new ways to work with our neighbors, share community expertise, and support local organizations.