What do you think would be a great business to locate in the green space across from City Hall? Or in the open area between The Allison and the Springbrook Road roundabout?

How about a global café, a family fun center or a gaming parlor where kids create and play their own electronic games? These and dozens more came the creative imagination of Mountain View Middle School sixth graders engaged in Design Star.

In its seventh year, the Design Star project partners Newberg sixth grade teachers and city planners to challenge student’s thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills.

City planner Jessica Pelz and  GIS analyst Jan Wolf worked with students to understand city planning and zoning regulations. Some groups conducted market research to determine potential interest in their proposed business. Each group of three or four students presented their plans for their business, complete with site or floor plans, detailed description of business activity and a rationale for why they believe it would be a successful enterprise. Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza, city planners, council members and the Mayor were on hand to hear the presentations on Thursday.  Several students groups will present to the Newberg City Council and the Newberg City Club next week.

The nationally award-winning program picked up additional kudos last week when the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Government recognized the City of Newberg and Newberg middle schools with it’s Regional Cooperative Project Award.