LaQuinn Thompson urges support for Memorial Park summer programming

LaQuinn Thompson, the recreation program specialist for York City, described growing up in several York neighborhoods and said local parks were crucial to her youth development and to keeping children engaged.

"Lincoln Park...was very special, park for me because I love playing basketball there," Thompson said, recounting how neighborhood parks provided both recreation and a refuge. Thompson identified multiple neighborhood parks she visited as a child and said those spaces offered activities that kept young people out of trouble.

As an adult overseeing York City's summer parks program, Thompson said Memorial Park has expanded in recent years and now hosts a large share of programming. "Memorial Park has been expanding so much over the years with the Bassil Court over there as well," she said, adding that many campers are stationed at Memorial Park on Wednesdays and Thursdays during summer sessions.

Thompson listed Memorial Park’s amenities — historical memorials and statues, a basketball court, playground, volleyball pits and baseball fields — and said the variety makes the park suitable for a broad mix of families and activities. She said park-based programming allows staff to meet residents and solicit ideas for what programming is missing or desired in different neighborhoods.

Thompson framed parks and summer programming as tools for community connection and youth engagement rather than as standalone amenities. There was no formal vote or action recorded during this presentation; Thompson was offering a staff perspective on programming and park use.

The recreation program specialist recommended Memorial Park to families seeking activities during the season and encouraged residents to use the park system to find opportunities for involvement.