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Residents press Canal Winchester for teen activities; council and staff note library and mentorship options
Summary
Several residents told council the city needs more non-sports programming for teens; council members and staff described mentorship initiatives, CWJRD planning and outreach to the Columbus Metropolitan Library about teen spaces.
Residents at the Sept. 30 Canal Winchester council meeting urged the city to help create more activities for school‑age children and older teens. "The biggest issue I’ve had for years is things to do for the school-age kids," said resident Eric McGhee, who told council the pool and park options often serve younger children and older youth lack outlets.
Several council members responded with ideas. Vice President Laurie Amick said she will press the Columbus Metropolitan Library for teen-focused spaces such as a gaming or virtual reality room, and Council member Alec McLaughlin described a mentorship program the council is developing to connect council members and city staff with students in government classes and student advisory meetings. "I always felt like there was nothing for us to do... Hopefully, soon, we can start putting some things in the community that engage that demographic," McLaughlin said.
Jill Amos invited McGhee to work with the Canal Winchester Joint Recreation District (CWJRD) as it explores non‑sports programming, saying the district is forming committees to reach students who are not sports-focused. Richard Moore and others suggested the schools' master facilities planning and community focus groups as venues for resident input.
No funding or formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; council members and staff encouraged residents to participate in upcoming school and CWJRD planning sessions and to look for follow-up announcements about mentorship and library initiatives.
