In January 2021, I was honored to be appointed chair of the city’s park committee, a role that allowed me to work alongside dedicated leaders to improve our public recreational spaces. During my tenure, the committee partnered with Mayor Randy Hutchinson, the city’s finance committee, and city council to create and implement a comprehensive parks improvement project. This initiative, completed in 2022, included:
   •  Upgraded youth baseball fields, now featuring high-quality turf and lights for extended playing time.
   •  A new spray park, providing a fun and accessible space for families to cool off in the summer.
   •  Inclusive playgrounds, designed to accommodate children of all abilities and ensure that every child has a place to play.
   •  A newly developed walking path, promoting outdoor activity and community engagement.

While I was proud to contribute to this project, the true credit belongs to Mayor Hutchinson, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in making these improvements a reality. Moving forward, I intend to continue this momentum by focusing on the enhancement and revitalization of all neighborhood parks, ensuring that every resident, regardless of location, has access to quality recreational spaces.

While reviewing community surveys, a particular comment caught my attention: a resident expressed their desire for a public park on the east side of town. This feedback resonated with me, as I realized that many residents primarily associate Ontario with Marshall Park, unaware of smaller but equally valuable spaces like Stowell, Sunset, and Doris Carr Park. This highlights a crucial need: the city must do a better job of marketing and improving these underutilized recreational assets to ensure all residents can enjoy them.

In 2023, following the recommendation of Mayor Hutchinson, I contacted the Richland County Land Bank regarding a 2.83-acre parcel of land adjacent to Stowell Park, with direct street access to Lexington-Springmill Road. After discussions, the land bank informed me that the city could acquire the property under economic development terms for only the cost of filing fees. I presented this proposal to the city council, and with their support, we successfully secured the entire 2.83-acre property for under $300 of taxpayer dollars.

This acquisition presents a tremendous opportunity to expand and enhance Stowell Park, transforming it into a more vibrant and accessible space for residents on the east side of town. I am committed to working with the council, community members, and local organizations to develop this property thoughtfully, ensuring it meets the recreational needs of our growing community.