Brownwood News – The 2020 Early TMCN (Texas Midwest Community Network) teen leadership team has announced its upcoming legacy project: the RAMPS.
RAMPS is an acronym for Recreation and Activity through Mental and Physical Sports. The RAMPS will be a nuance playground in Early’s McDonald Park, consisting of giant games such as chess and checkers, a seating area for parents and a Yalp SUTU Electronic Soccer Wall. The RAMPS will promote mental and physical health by encouraging players to exercise their brains with the giant games and their bodies with the soccer wall. It is intended to be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.
The 2020 Early TMCN Team is made up of juniors Ty McConn and Jax Managan (shown in photo announcing their project). Ty and Jax will assess the impact on the community of Early, accessibility to all ages, cost and compatibility for a wide demographic. Ty said about the project “I am very excited to be a part of such a large project which I know will bring enjoyment to children in Early for many years into the future.”
The SUTU Soccer Wall (in photo below) is a very large Plexiglas and steel wall with pressure sensors, designed to kick soccer balls into different areas challenging other peers to different games. It is also programmable so new games can be added and changed out. This will currently be only the 4th SUTU installed in the United States by a Dutch company.
The overall project will cost an estimated $100,000. Fundraising is underway locally and matching grants are being sought to fund approximately half of the project. Donations can be taken to Early City Hall for now with future fundraising opportunities to be announced.
The Texas Midwest Community Network Leadership Program teaches High School students, during their Junior and Senior years, to “see the dream” and move their community forward. They are challenged to identify ways to implement change within their community, develop a community mentorship to motivate and inspire action and complete a community focused “legacy project” in their hometown all while competing for monetary community rewards.
