In recent months, I met with officials of the Lower Shore Family YMCA to discuss the potential for partnerships between the YMCA and Pocomoke City. Director Gary White, Board President Vernon Redden, and the full Board seemed eager to work with the city to provide an extension of recreational opportunities for area residents.
It was agreed that we would focus on two project for the upcoming year. The first to the reestablishment of Summer Golf Camps at the Winter Quarters Golf Course. In past years, this was a very successful program which continued on for decades. Most recently headed by Councilman Robert Hawkins, the program fell into decline due to a lack of adult support staff able to assist Mr. Hawkins.
Last night at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council, Director White provided the city with a proposed budget for to operate the golf program for ten weeks this summer. The cost was nominal at $1522.00 and I believe this will be fully funded by the city. The first camp would begin the week of June 16th. This promises to be a great opportunity for those wishing to expose a young person to the sport or to provide aspiring young players a chance to improve their skill level. I love the idea of this type of partnering in our community.
The second program would involve the city working with the YMCA to provide funding for transportation costs to allow more underprivileged kids a chance to benefit from after school sports and recreational/learning classes being offered. Currently, students who participate can ride to the YMCA direct from their respective schools following the conclusion of the school day. The problem comes in when some parents do not have transportation to bring their child home. There is currently no provision for getting the kids home following the program, thus parents must pick the kids up at the YMCA. I have suggested that the city would pick up the tab for the return transportation costs for kids living in the city. This would be a means of creating further opportunities for some of the more vulnerable in our community. The budget for this has not been established as of yesterday.
These are just two of the ideas that have been floated around in my meetings with the YMCA staff and Board of Directors. I wish to thank them for meeting with me and being willing to think outside the box on creative ways to provide greater experiences and opportunities for our young people in Pocomoke City.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Skate/Bike Park Opens This Week
During my first campaign for the Office of Mayor (2005), I met many young people in my travels around the city who clamored for a place where they could practice their sport of Skateboarding or BMX style Biking. I pledged to make this a reality as I believe that our city is more family friendly when we provide accessible recreational opportunities for our young people.
This week, a professionally designed and built Skate/Bike Park will open as part of the Cypress Park Recreational Complex. American Ramp Company is known throughout the United States for providing well designed parks and equipment that will stand the test of time. Pocomoke City will be only the second municipality on the shore to provide this recreational experience for our citizens (Ocean City being the other, however they do not allow bikes).
Registration will be required by those wishing to utilize the facility. The forms will be available at City Hall (downtown on Clarke Avenue) along with a complete list of the rules governing the park. Full safety equipment is required. City residents will pay no fees while those residing outside of the city will pay $25.00 at the time of registration.
The park is monitored 24/7 by police surveillance cameras which will focus on the Skate/Bike Park and Police Officers will monitor riders and conduct spot checks in the park to insure compliance with all rules and registration.
I encourage parents to take the time to come to the park and participate by observing the tricks and stunts performed by their own kids as well as others. Policing the park largely rests on the shoulders of those who use the facility. I ask for all who care about recreational opportunities in Pocomoke City to notify police of any potential problems before they get out of hand and to report any damage they may observe to the city.
This great facility represents a $65,000.00 investment in recreational opportunity by Pocomoke City. May it provide hours of entertainment for years to come.
This week, a professionally designed and built Skate/Bike Park will open as part of the Cypress Park Recreational Complex. American Ramp Company is known throughout the United States for providing well designed parks and equipment that will stand the test of time. Pocomoke City will be only the second municipality on the shore to provide this recreational experience for our citizens (Ocean City being the other, however they do not allow bikes).
Registration will be required by those wishing to utilize the facility. The forms will be available at City Hall (downtown on Clarke Avenue) along with a complete list of the rules governing the park. Full safety equipment is required. City residents will pay no fees while those residing outside of the city will pay $25.00 at the time of registration.
The park is monitored 24/7 by police surveillance cameras which will focus on the Skate/Bike Park and Police Officers will monitor riders and conduct spot checks in the park to insure compliance with all rules and registration.
I encourage parents to take the time to come to the park and participate by observing the tricks and stunts performed by their own kids as well as others. Policing the park largely rests on the shoulders of those who use the facility. I ask for all who care about recreational opportunities in Pocomoke City to notify police of any potential problems before they get out of hand and to report any damage they may observe to the city.
This great facility represents a $65,000.00 investment in recreational opportunity by Pocomoke City. May it provide hours of entertainment for years to come.
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