Sometimes, it takes a fresh perspective to notice what’s missing. That’s exactly what happened when Ollie Robertson, a member of the Ivins Youth Council, realized that our community doesn’t have an ADA swing set. This inspired the Youth Council to take action and advocate for every child in Ivins to have the opportunity to enjoy Unity Park.
Marc Christensen, the City’s Director of Parks & Recreation, enthusiastically supported this idea and found a grant opportunity to make this vision a reality. City playground equipment costs a lot more than what you’d spend at home. The ADA swing set will cost approximately $15,000. But when you add rubber surfacing, shade structures, and installation to complete the project, costs will swell to $50,000 or $60,000.
If the grant application is approved, it will cover 80% of the cost, leaving $3,000 for the Youth Council to raise for the swing set, with RAP tax funding the balance of the 20% match requirement. It’s a “heavy lift” for our Youth Council, but they are full of ideas and energy. Let’s see what creative solution they come up with. The Youth Council, working with the Parks & Recreation Department, will put their plan together in December, finalize costs, and start the grant application process in January.
Kudos to our Youth Council for championing a project that will have a lasting impact on our community by creating a space where children of all abilities can play, connect, and thrive. Their vision of fostering inclusivity and ensuring every child feels welcome and valued is both inspiring and ambitious. It’s a challenge they’ve embraced with determination and creativity, setting an example for us all.
Led by Co-Directors Jamy Dahle and Tiffany Wynn, the Ivins Youth Council gives the youth of Ivins a voice on city issues, an understanding of how city government works, an opportunity to provide a service to the community that showcases the dedication of youth in Ivins, and to add knowledge, skill, and abilities for the next generation of local leaders.
Ivins Youth Council members inject fresh ideas and youth perspectives into decisions made by the City Council for the benefit of all youth in Ivins. Ivins Youth Council members identify ways to improve Ivins for its youth, act as advisors to the Mayor and Ivins City Council, represent the youth of Ivins on issues important to them, and promote regular and active civic engagement among young people.
Membership is open to youth who live in Ivins and are in 8th to 11th grade. Please contact me if you would like more information.
Let me know about Ivins issues that are important to you. Please email me with your concerns, ideas, suggestions, and recommendations. Sign up for monthly updates (click here)