Winnsboro Youth Board

 Report by Elizabeth Joslin -- VISTA worker

The first few Youth Board meetings for Winnsboro have gone over very well and with great reception from people in the city. So far we have had two groups of excellent youth come out to discuss things they would like to do in the city, as well as ways to go about getting them by creatively employing their strengths. A common desire voiced by the youth has been for a local skate park – a want that has existed for four or more years now.

When asked how and why this would benefit the city the youth expressed thoughts such as: It would help kids, who might become outcast or alienated, to stay out of trouble. It would make business owners happy because they would not have to reprimand youth for skating near their businesses. It could bring business to town with youth coming from surrounding communities who don’t have a place to skate, and also there would be the possibility of a skate shop.

Board participants also expressed that they felt that kids who are interested in athletic activities, besides baseball and football, would finally have a positive opportunity to challenge themselves physically and mentally.

While we feel very strongly that youth of all ages have skills to contribute to the Winnsboro Youth Board, we would like to first establish a core group of older youth who have the ability and desire to successfully lead. Therefore, the next two or three Board meetings will be reserved for older youth in the community, preferably high school to younger college age youth. During those meetings we will discuss the steps that will need to be taken in order to create a skate park that will be a success and a benefit to all in the community.

As of now we have one exceptional individual, Nathan Clark, who has gone before city council twice in the past to express the desire of youth for a skate park, and though nothing ever came of it, he recently read an article in the newspaper and took the initiative to come to a meeting to see how he could contribute. It is this kind of determination and spirit that will make this project’s fruition possible. Once it has been determined what it is that needs to be done and how to go about it, the meetings will then continue forward with youth from middle school ages as well.

The second meeting with the older youth took place on Saturday, June 14th.

Finally we would also like to thank Mayor Carolyn Jones, City Manager Nina Browning, Councilwoman Lori Whorff, Greg Duffey of HYPE, Debbie Lopez, and all the other parents and adults in the community who have shown their support. It means so, so much.

If you, or someone you know, would like to participate or contribute in any way, please contact: Elizabeth Joslin at elizabeth.joslin@gmail.com or 903-422-6382