The Statesboro Youth Council officially unveiled its latest placemaking project, a brand-new Chess Park, during an afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 on the Willie McTell Trail in downtown Statesboro.
The event was met with enthusiasm from community members, local leaders, and the youth council members themselves, who championed the initiative.
The project
In May 2024, the Statesboro Youth Council applied for a “Placemaking” grant through Georgia City Solutions, identifying key areas along the Willie McTell Trail in Downtown Statesboro that could benefit from improvement.
As part of the proposal, the Youth Council suggested creating a life-size chess park, located across from the Downtown Dog Park.
Georgia City Solutions awarded the Youth Council a $500 grant for the project, which was further supported by match donations from Grice Connect, Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro, and the City of Statesboro. The Stateboro-Bulloch County Library also partnered with the youth on the park and will rent chess pieces for use at the park's table.
The construction of the Chess Park, along with other improvements to the Willie McTell Trail, was made possible through a collaboration with the City of Statesboro Public Works Department.
The department worked alongside the Youth Council to install the chess board and flower planters, as well as to replace benches along the trail. This new park marks the first of several planned enhancements the Youth Council aims to implement along the McTell Trail.
The dedication
Junior Mayor Jamersyn Hughes from the Statesboro Youth Council opened the ceremony by expressing their excitement. He highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "The placemaker projects have become more than just a beautiful park and has become part of our community we continue to build together."
Hughes emphasized that the Chess Park is about "fostering connections, preserving memory and shaping identity."
The Youth Council Representative extended heartfelt gratitude to several key individuals and organizations for their support. Director of the youth program Dr. LaSara Mitchell was recognized for her "invaluable guidance" and "unwavering support" throughout the project. The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) was also thanked for their continued partnership and belief in the power of youth and community.
Special recognition was given to the "amazing members of the Statesboro Youth Council" for their "passion, creativity and tireless efforts" in bringing the Chess Park to fruition. Their leadership in this endeavor was specifically commended.
The Statesboro Regional Library for their generous partnership, the Mayor and Council of Statesboro, the Statesboro Police Department, Grice Connect, the City of Statesboro Public Works, and the Rotary Club of Downtown Statesboro were also acknowledged for their generous partnerships and essential support in making the project a reality.
In closing remarks, Jr. Mayor Hughes thanked every community member who stood by them, believed in their vision, and contributed to the project.
"Your involvement and engagement and encouragement and spirit are what made this possible," he stated, adding, "Let the games begin."
Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar also shared his enthusiasm, expressing gratitude to everyone involved. The Mayor emphasized the importance of providing young people with "another space that's safe and healthy for them to be in." Mayor McCollar conveyed his excitement in being supportive of the Youth Council and witnessing their impactful work.
The atmosphere of the ribbon cutting was celebratory and optimistic, marking a significant addition to Statesboro's public spaces. The Chess Park promises to be a valuable community asset, providing a welcoming environment for people of all ages to connect, engage in friendly competition, and enjoy the outdoors.
The Statesboro Youth Council's dedication to placemaking was evident, and their efforts have undoubtedly left a lasting positive mark on the community.