MOOSE JAW — Beach volleyball courts in Crescent Park, more student housing for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and a new vegetable garden are some ideas that city hall’s youth advisory committee want to see implemented.
During its Feb. 24 regular meeting, city council received the committee’s minutes from its February meeting. Mayor James Murdock, council’s representative on the youth group, highlighted some of the group’s discussions.
“That was my first meeting with the youth advisory group. (They were) very young, knowledgeable individuals (who were) full of questions and (who were) very sharp,” he said. “So it was good that I could partake in that. And I learned a few things, so it was good.”
The group “really focused on Crescent Park,” which was great since council is also interested in enhancing that greenspace, he continued. The youths want to see the city install a beach volleyball court there, add another vegetable garden to complement the two existing beds and hold a trade show in the amphitheatre.
According to the minutes, administration told the committee that the municipality lacks the money to construct beach volleyball courts, while such a venue would require a partnership with a third party. Members brainstormed ways to bring this project to fruition and agreed to discuss it at a future meeting.
Other topics included:
- Mental health: The youth mental health subcommittee determined that late April or early May would be ideal to host a youth talent show or job fair; the committee will discuss this at its next meeting. The subcommittee also suggested a monthly board game night, so members planned to contact organizations to see if space is available
- Student housing: Two members who attend Saskatchewan Polytechnic discussed ongoing concerns about the high rent costs at nearby housing locations. However, since the city has limited control over that issue, the student housing subcommittee will be disbanded
- Recreation: The environmental sustainability subcommittee has shifted its focus and will change its name to the recreation subcommittee. In response, Mayor Murdock suggested the subcommittee create a vegetable garden to enhance community involvement. Also, the subcommittee plans to connect with the Golden Ticket Sports Centre about the beach volleyball court proposal
The youth advisory committee also discussed hosting a mock council meeting, after city administration provided an overview of procedures and agenda item options that the members could address and encouraged them to pick a topic for debate.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, March 10.
