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Essex Junction appoints two youth members to Recreation Advisory Committee after interview
Summary
The City Council interviewed and later appointed two youth members — Piper Goodkind and Oona Osborne — to the Recreation Advisory Committee. Applicants discussed local recreation use, barriers for older youth and schedule availability.
The Essex Junction City Council appointed two youth members to the Recreation Advisory Committee after interviewing an applicant at Wednesday night’s meeting.
The council interviewed Piper Goodkind, a ninth-grade student at Essex High School, who described herself as a regular user of EJRP programs and parks and said she wants to “voice the youth as much as I possibly can.” She said some older children stop using municipal youth sports programs because school and club sports become their default options and because “stigma” and peer influence can discourage participation in some camps.
Why it matters: Youth seats on the Recreation Advisory Committee give younger residents direct input on programming, helping EJRP tailor offerings to changing needs across age groups.
Councilors pressed applicants on scheduling flexibility; Goodkind said she plays school basketball and club volleyball and anticipated her basketball season would be wrapping up in February. Councilors praised her answers and encouraged her to attend committee meetings and help bridge the perspectives of high-school-aged users and EJRP planners.
Appointments: At the end of the meeting the council moved to appoint Piper Goodkind and Oona Osborne to the Recreation Advisory Committee for terms through June 30, 2026; the motion passed unanimously.
Ending note: Staff told the new appointees someone would be in touch with next steps.
