BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. – It was a typical pre-purchase meeting at Kayadeross Cooperative last weekend: A couple dozen enthusiastic volunteer residents met to discuss plans for what to do with the neighborhood once the Co-op signs the paperwork to take control.
There were good ideas that everyone agreed on. There were others that weren’t so popular. There were suggestions that will be easy to make a reality and others that might need more finances than are currently available. There was serious discussion and friendly debate.
The only difference was that hardly anyone at this meeting can drive, vote, or reach the top shelf in the kitchen cabinet.
It was an amazing day. Not just because of the magnificent warm fall day, but because of the energy and enthusiasm of the attendees. The attendees were mostly young people, and a few parents. The Youth ranged in ages from 2 years to teenagers and they all showed up to enjoy some pizza, and share their own ideas and vision for a new playground.
You see, the members of Kayadeross Cooperative are in the process of purchasing their manufactured home community, and one of the first things the board of directors is planning is to put in a new playground. So in this family-friendly community the adults decided to ask the “experts” what would be cool to have in a new playground. About two-dozen children answered the call and showed up to express their ideas, and enthusiasm.
It was a festive atmosphere as ROC USA’s Gary Faucher, and Angela Romeo of ROC-NH worked together to harness the enthusiasm and energy of this group of future ROC leaders. Some terrific ideas were gathered from all ages through a group brainstorming session, and these ideas will be incorporated into planning for the project.
The community is scheduled to become an official Resident Owned Community (ROC) in November, when the residents will close the commercial real estate deal and purchase their community. One thing is for certain: The Kids of Kayadeross can’t wait to play on their new playground!
