The new bus purchased by Spartanburg City Council is set to enhance youth program accessibility.
The Spartanburg City Council has approved a $140,000 purchase of a new bus for local Parks and Recreation, aimed at improving youth access to community programs. This upgrade will significantly help local children reach essential activities and allows for expanded programming opportunities, including youth sports, addressing the transportation challenges faced by families in the community.
In a significant move to bolster youth engagement in local programs, the Spartanburg City Council has recently greenlit the purchase of a brand new bus for the city’s Parks and Recreation program. This exciting decision, made on the heels of today’s meeting, highlights a growing commitment to breaking down transportation barriers for the area’s children.
So, what’s the buzz about this bus? It comes with a price tag of approximately $140,000, which is a slice of the funding coming from the city’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. And guess what? This new ride is quite the upgrade—it can comfortably seat up to 73 children! This replaces an older, smaller bus that has been feeling its age and has required a bit too much TLC in recent years.
The decision is backed by the passion and enthusiasm of local leaders who recognize that transportation hurdles continue to restrict access to vital youth programs. The Parks and Recreation team reaches out to children at various community spots, including the C.C. Woodson Community Center and the Dr. T.K. Gregg Community Center. However, for several local kids, these centers aren’t exactly around the corner, making it tough for them to join in on the fun.
Take the story of one seventh grader, who shared how biking or scootering is his only option to reach the Thornton Activity Center. It’s no cakewalk! Without the right kind of transport, participating in after-school and summer activities easily turns into an uphill battle.
Complicating matters, many parents have demanding work schedules that make coordinating transportation a real challenge. This highlights just how important the new bus will be for helping families access programs that can enrich their children’s lives.
But it’s not just about getting kids from point A to point B. This new addition opens up the possibility for the Parks and Recreation team to expand their programming. One exciting opportunity on the horizon is youth baseball activities that will require taking kids over to fields around town. That’s right—more sports, more fun! With the new wheels, they can cover a lot more ground.
A detailed plan for utilizing the bus is already in the works, which will include training for drivers. It’s worth noting that these drivers will need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to navigate this new set of wheels safely and efficiently.
The community’s commitment doesn’t stop there. The out-of-school time collaborative, which consists of 31 local partners, is currently working with around 3,000 middle and high school students in Spartanburg County. Unfortunately, transportation has historically hindered some kids from seizing these opportunities. While this fresh set of wheels won’t reach every student, it promises to make a noticeable impact, boosting outreach and participation in youth programs throughout Spartanburg.
The approval of this bus stands as a promising step towards ensuring that every child in Spartanburg has the chance to engage in enriching programs, making this community a thriving hub for youth development. With improved access, local kids are set to have a brighter future filled with opportunities to learn and grow!
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