The project - happening during the 2023-2024 school year - was a part of KCAI's Sponsored Studio program which allows students to experience agency-style activities with the guidance of faculty.

Learn more about Sponsored Studios and partnering with KCAI here.

This week, the City of Blue Springs Communication Department shared that the newly redesigned guide (which launched in January) has earned a Gold PRISM award from the Greater Kansas City Public Relations Society of America.

"I can't thank...KCAI enough for the hard work students put into this project to make our Activity Guide stand out among our peers. It was truly a team effort," Brian Spano, Communications Manager for the City of Blue Springs said.

Cover of the Spring 2024 Guide, Blue Springs Parks & Recreation

Students who worked on the project include Madelyn Dreyer, Allegra Eccles, Blair Garrison, Georgia Harrell, Amanda Michael, Kevin Moreland, Meg Morris, Sefira Robinson, Ximena Ruiz, and Andrea Soto

The initial ask was for a refreshed design for the digital guide, laying out available activities alongside an events calendar.

Students said that they understood that their work was meaningful specifically for seniors seeking information on accessibility and services.

"The whole reason I'm in design is because I want to help the community as much as possible. I think a lot of design is very subconscious and we as designers should be cognizant of that," Sefira Robinson ('25 Graphic Design) said.

To research the project, students toured parks and community centers and had discussion with department leadership. Students then put together a series of design proposals with Blue Springs selecting their favorite. The process moved forward from there with KCAI students adding information about community classes, sports, and general Parks & Recreation events.

The culmination of their design work allowed parks & recreation patrons to navigate much easier through the magazine. Sections are color coded with brief descriptions of the programs and activities, and they can easily jump from page to page within the guide or to the webpage with additional information through hyperlinks, according to a project description submitted for the award.

"You really learn about talking to people who are not in the design world - using the right language and being able to understand and explain the process," Amanda Michael ('25 Graphic Design) said.

"I think it's really awesome that we could contribute to an entire community. It was very clear that we were giving back to a place that really cared. And just seeing it out in the world now it is a nice feeling," Michael said.

The final design was posted to the Blue Springs website, shared on social media pages and newsletters published by the city - noting an increase in engagement as a result.

Award for Activities Guide, City of Blue Springs