Hilltop Neighborhood Goal Three: Add Programs for Youths
The absence of facilities and activities for neighborhood youth has led to some of the trash, vandalism, and crime problems in Hilltop. While not all of the problems are created by youth with nothing more constructive to do, the provision of additional youth-oriented facilities could help the younger members of the neighborhood show more pride and ownership in the community. Throughout the planning process, adults with children expressed concern about their willingness let their children play in the neighborhood unsupervised and about the need for more facilities where their children can play safely. The recent addition of the half-basketball court in the new community center and the programs planned there will help fill this void. In addition, plans for recreational space in the church expansion will benefit the neighborhood.

Recommended Action

1. Continue to support and utilize youth in maintaining and improving the Community Garden.

2. Host special neighborhood meetings to involve youth in the neighborhood.

3. Continue adding recreational facilities.

4. Add a neighborhood computer center in the community center and provide volunteers to provide training and assistance.

5. Develop a tutoring program offered at the community center.

6. Utilize youth programs (through schools, youth clubs, service organizations, etc.) to assist with property maintenance, particularly for the elderly who may need assistance.

7. Partner with other neighborhoods to develop programs to encourage greater participation from young people in neighborhood decision-making.

8. Consider a merit program with rewards for youth service in the neighborhood.

9. Develop Hilltop Neighborhood "Big Brother/Big Sister" program to provide mentoring and involvement in the neighborhood.

10. Partner with area schools to design school projects that can use the neighborhood as a learning laboratory.

11. Consider the creation of "school age" positions on the Hilltop Neighborhood Association and Hilltop Improvement Alliance boards.

Partners
City of Wichita, Parks Department, Wichita Public Schools, Schools, Wichita Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Youthbuild, Parents and Children, Hilltop Free Evangelical Church, Via Christi Hospital, Hilltop Neighborhood Association, Hilltop Improvement Alliance, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Junior Achievement