Fort Scott community action teams update locals regarding upcoming, past projects

Fort Scott residents were given the opportunity to hear progress reports from local action teams during Monday night's third annual Community Conversation sponsored by the Community Vision Steering Committee.

Residents as well as action team members gathered in the commons area of Fort Scott Middle School to hear individuals present a progress report for the action team which they represent. Those teams represented were the Riverfront Authority, Neighborhood Revitalization, Outside In -- Economic Development, Youth Activities Team, Aqua Vision and Skate Park Committee.

According to Clayton Tatro, co-convener of the Community Vision Steering Committee, the purpose for the meeting is to inform the community about action teams and progress being made in current projects, as well as to gain new ideas from outside teams.

Representing the Riverfront Authority was Dean Mann. Mann discussed what the committee's purpose is and stated the time table is very slow. Although the time table is slow, progress is still being made.

Representing the Neighborhood Revitalization Committee was Treva Williams. Williams announced the committee will be focused on making the "Good Neighborhood Blitz" a bigger event. The last event helped 15 residents by helping repaint, clean and perform other work on their homes. The committee is looking for volunteers with construction experience as well as somebody to assist with advertising the event.

Representing the Outside In -- Economic Development Committee was Steve Armstrong. Armstrong announced that the committee has achieved two of its four primary goals. Those goals were to complete a comprehensive plan for the City of Fort Scott and to hire an Economic Director. The committee is currently searching for a direction after to completion of their primary goals.

Representing the Youth Activities Team was Paul Martin. Martin talked about the YAT's plans for Ellis Park. Ideas include mini golf, batting cages, and a walking trail. He also gave a recap of the Pennies for the Park efforts including the Guinness World Record for longest chain of coins, fastest mile laid and the lesser known record awarded to Sean Durnal for the most quarter-pound hamburgers (five) eaten in three minutes.

Representing the Aqua Vision Committee was Kale Nelson, who reported that while the committee is not acting right now, the aquatic center project has not died. The committee is working on scaling down the project for funding purposes.

Representing the Skate Park Committee was Tom Raciti. Raciti gave a recap of the Skate Date and also discussed the Skaters as Scholars program. In addition, he mentioned that the committee, along with other organizations, sent a handful of skaters to a benefit in Springfield, Mo.