WCS 4th graders propose projects to improve Warrensburg

WARRENSBURG | Fifteen local 4th graders presented their ideas for improving life in Warrensburg to town Supervisor Kevin Geraghty during a June 15 visit with Darian Chapman's class at Warrensburg Elementary School, and since then he has taken action on several of their proposals. In this "Town Supervisor for a Day" initiative, Chapman's students individually invested hours into dreaming up ideas the town should implement. Chapman said the project is the culmination of her students studying how federal, state and local governments operate. "Our kids learn that everyone has a say in how they are governed — and that they can make a difference in their community," she said. Several of her students' proposals illustrated the success of this objective. Pupil Tristan Stannard suggested locating a batting cage at the town recreation field. Tristan also proposed establishing a "sports equipment rental shack" to help local ball players "get better." Callie Dingman suggested not allowing local road construction to begin each day until 8:30 a.m. so children can get to school on time. Imogen Cobb expressed concern about littering around Warrensburg, suggesting that the town establish a "litter cleanup business," and that trash cans and recycling bins should be placed in front of stores. IDEAS PURSUED Geraghty said June 17 that he's taken action on these three suggestions — he's talked with state officials about roadwork scheduling, taken steps toward placing a batting cage at the town field and setting up recycling bins beside existing trash cans around town. Like Imogen Cobb, Kaselyn Barron proposed projects to enhance the environment. Members of a club called "Recycling Rangers" would not only pick up litter, but they would advise youngsters not to cut down trees "unless it is for a good cause," she said. "This needs to be shared because trees produce air so we can breathe." Several other students focused on assuring the welfare of people and animals. Maximus French proposed establishing a "food shelter" for local people in need, "because not enough people have food," he said. "I would like to see this added to our town to help keep people safe and healthy." Annabelle Butler suggested building an animal shelter, which would include a veterinary clinic, behind Warrensburg's McDonald's Restaurant. "I think there are a bunch of animals it could help," she said, mentioning her shelter/clinic would give stray animals a home while creating jobs. Annabelle drafted a floor plan of her shelter. "Make sure the pets' areas are comfortable," she wrote. Savannah Duell also suggested building a shelter for "homeless animals so they can survive the harsh winters or hot summers." SUGGESTIONS FOR SAFER TRAVEL Other students focused on public safety. Charlie Gonyea suggested lowering the speed limit on Horicon Avenue from 45 to 25 mph, to prevent collisions with pedestrians and bicyclists. He noted that students often ride on the road without a helmet. Shay Graves proposed designating a lane through town exclusively for firefighters, police and ambulances. He suggested controlling use of the lane by issuing EZ Pass-type transponders to those who qualify and employing license plate readers to enable the town to levy fines on drivers who flaunt the rules. Lilliana Rumble suggested that the town should be more accessible for people with mobility challenges. "The town should have more ramps going into the schools, stores, and restaurants," she said, adding that handicap parking spaces should be monitored to assure they are not being misused. BIKE PATH, SWIMMING POOL PROPOSED Liam Norton suggested that the town build a bike lane from Warrensburg to Queensbury, so people without automobiles could shop for food and other necessities in Queensbury. "It would make it so bikers are way safer on the road," he said. Other suggestions were focused on recreation. Hunter Hill suggested developing a "web of motocross and snowmobile trails" including one between Thurman to Warrensburg, which not only be a recreational attraction, but would provide a venue for people who didn't drive. "The people of this town may not have enough fun," he said. Nevaeh Goodell proposed building a community pool on the town recreation field. She described detailed plans for entry authorization, including season passes for residents that would "include free food at the snack shack." Austin Connor's concept sounded like it was a proposal by an economic development official. He proposed to build a retail business incubator. He said his "Business Park" would feature a large building hosting new ventures — with its storefronts to host retail shops and service enterprises, leased to merchants at a modest rate. "I want this (built) so more people stay in Warrensburg to shop instead of leaving town," he said, noting it would boost tourism and generate tax income. "This project needs to be done so our money stays in Warrensburg." One particular enterprise that should be recruited for the retail park, he said, is Martha's Ice Cream, renowned in upstate New York. Chapman said she was impressed with her student's commitment to the project. "Their ideas are all their own," she said. "I'm proud of their work."

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WCS 4th graders propose projects to improve Warrensburg

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