TOPPENISH — Toppenish’s prayers have been answered as local community members gathered to bring change for the city’s youth.
A group of about 10 people representing community and religious leaders of Toppenish meet every Wednesday, in an unnamed committee to bring Toppenish its very own “skate park”. 
Friday at the Pioneer Park, about 100 community members gathered for free food and a free skate park demonstration. Twenty-five to thirty youth of Toppenish participated in the skate park demo. American Ramp Company traveled from Minnesota to show Toppenish and its youth what a portable skate park in our city will look like. 
The committee consulted the children for a floor plan.
“The kids said they want a park that has more street elements, and that is what we will give them,” Janie Navarro, committee president said.  
The idea for a skate park in Toppenish emerged as James Cole, Parks and Recreation Department Director, saw a need for the children to have a safe place to go.
“It’s portable, so if it doesn’t work out, it can be moved,” he said. 
The committee plans to look for grants and fundraise. They plan on involving the children in fundraising as well. 
“If they help from day one on this project they will have ownership and pride in their park, and hopefully take better care of it,” Adrian Almanza, another committee member said. 
“I want somewhere to go, I don’t like the streets,” Michael Cozad, 13, said.