Central to the Norton School's history and mission is the goal of helping children and families achieve optimal development. In the new building's design, we have found a way to highlight that mission and the work of the Norton School's Institute for Children, Youth and Families and the Family Studies and Human Development Division: the Family Plaza. This tree-shaded, open plaza will be the first on the UA campus-and one of the first in the country-to symbolize the importance of families and children and family studies. The plaza will be a permanent and beautiful reminder, in a high-profile location on the UA campus, of the importance of family. As a dedicated space devoted to honoring children and families, the plaza will bring attention to the value they bring and the issues they face in our society. It will also signify the necessity of studying child and human development and family relations, so that society and families have the information they need to improve the lives of children and strengthen relationships.

As a green space on a desert campus, the Lakin Family Plaza will form a perfect oasis for informal student gatherings, study groups, and play for visiting children using services or involved in research at the Norton School; it will also double as an attractive outdoor venue for events.

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Because Tucson is the sunniest city in America with more than 300 bright, clear days each year, the plaza is sure to experience tremendous use by faculty, staff, students, as well as members of the public. Once the Family Plaza has been named, alumni and friends will be invited to designate components of the plaza (its benches, tiles, and trees) in honor of family members or respected associates.