By Willa Herron
The chess tables or as they’re known “The Chessies” are a staple for every kid growing up in Bello for at least one part of their life. For some it’s an undercover area to sit when it rains, for others it’s a place to hang out on your lunch break when you’re at work and for many it’s a place to chill with friends, a meeting spot where you’re guaranteed to always find at least one person to sit with. When they were taken away without any consultation with the youth , in particular the youth that spent a lot of time there it created a sense of distrust and showed them lack of respect from older generations in the town. Not only did they take away infrastructure they took away a place of community for young people. The hub, the skatepark and the chess tables are the three places young people feel welcomed and like they are a part of the community as much as any other person. Three isnt many when you take into consideration how many young people either live or frequent the town. The lack of these places adds value to the places we do have. The original project plans titled “Project Pawn” that stemmed though a local youth initiative program included adding lights and a bin and replacing the seats and tables as the ones there were on a decline due to the weather and their age, a new paint job was also in the works. We wanted to be able to build it ourselves to bring a sense of ownership and proudness to the tables. This idea has finally been taken on and is in the works. There have been slight changes to the project plans but the focus of them is still the same. Giving the young people a space again built by them for them. Replacing the old tables and seats with something that will last. The business community has been extremely supportive and are more than happy to help get the ball rolling and the project underway. A huge thank you to ____ for allowing the youth to have a say.
Youth hub working to reinstate the Chess tables.