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Editor’s Note: No sooner did we learn of Project “PAPOY” than we learned that it would be replaced by the “Seeds of Change” Program. We submit it, too, for your review.
A little rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the children and youth gathered at Owen Davis Park on Friday, June 29, and Saturday, June 30. From the early morning clean up to a fun-filled two days of dodge ball, hot dogs, burgers, basketball and checkers to an orderly dispersal, the day was fun, friendly and action-packed.
About 50 children and 15 or 20 adults stopped by to enjoy a hot dog, a burger, a game of hoops or a chance to get whupped at checkers by Mr. Hootie Daye.
The nets were up and the swings were swinging as hot dogs and hamburgers steamed on the grill. The kids and adults pitched in to serve the food and ice-cold water and to keep the park picked up. The GrillMaster, Mr. Reuben Gregory, cooked the food and kept order. His gracious wife Mrs. Gregory served the kids and played tireless games of Uno Attack with the children. Her sons and daughter were willing helpers who took direction, yet thought for themselves. The children at this park were older, yet on the whole, just as well-mannered and respectful as the kids we met at the Salvation Army Playground.
We are pleased to report that City Council members Elissa Yount, Lynn Harper and Robert B. Gupton, as well as Assistant City Manager Mark Warren came by to see what was going on and to offer their support. It seems that Owen Davis was a gentleman who deeded the land for the park in his will, designating it for a community center. The city’s lease on the park was discussed, with a commitment made to further research on the issue.
The gathering was a also a chance to implement Seeds of Change, an unincorporated association formed to work with Weed & Seed on selected community projects. It was determined that a partnership created solely to implement the many sound programs planned for the community was the best way to partner with such a valuable community resource.
The Seeds of Change Agenda:
– Assist Parks & Recreation in recruiting local youth to repair and revitalize local parks
– Promote community involvement and provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for youth and adults
– Prevent juvenile delinquency by promoting cooperation and community service among neighborhood youth
– Eliminate barriers to children and families’ attendance at quality family entertainment and social events by providing complementary or low-cost tickets and transportation
– Provide education and exposure to entrepreneurship and the
professions at partner events
– Partner with local service organizations to provide synergistic, cohesive services to at-risk youth
Seeds of Change will supersede Project–PAPOY as of this summary. We feel “Seeds of Change” is more in line with the goals and mission of our community partners and ourselves.