Gonzales, La – Fortunately for students from St. Amant High School, March 23 turned out to be a beautiful spring day in Gonzales. The FFA (Future Farmers of America) organization at the Ascension Parish school decided to pick the date to perform service to their community tasks. They opened up the day to all students at the school, and over 400 volunteers registered to take part in a number of different projects.
Around 40 of those students ventured to the Kidz Kove Discovery Park, an all-accessible park within the city limits that caters to people with special needs. The park has become a hub of activity, with families finally being able to stay local as they offer their special needs children a place to feel safe while playing on equipment designed specifically for them.
The St. Amant students picked the park as they wanted to make a lasting impression on something they recognize as an important and valuable resource for the Ascension community. They cleaned out flower beds and also created new ones. One is at ground level, while one will be a raised bed, allowing anyone in a wheelchair to tend to the special garden which will be planted within.
“I can’t express my gratitude for what these students are doing,” said Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux. “It’s touching that when they thought of projects, that one was this amazing park in the heart of our city. It’s heartwarming to know that the youth in this parish see the importance of having an all-inclusive park, and want to help keep it as beautiful as it can be. On behalf of the entire City of Gonzales, I thank them all, and I urge the community of people who are making this park a part of their everyday to appreciate the hard work these students have committed to.”