Pocatello launches summer youth bus pass to boost community engagement

Pocatello's City Council Town Hall meeting on May 13 highlighted exciting summer opportunities for local youth, particularly through a new summer youth bus pass initiative. This program allows children to ride the city’s transit system for free, providing access to popular destinations like the rec center, Ross Park Aquatics Complex, and the skate park. The initiative aims to encourage kids to learn how to navigate public transportation while enjoying summer activities.

Anne, a representative from the Parks and Recreation Department, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "It's a no brainer if you've got kids that wanna learn to ride the bus." Flyers detailing the program were made available at the meeting, ensuring families can easily access this resource.

In addition to the bus pass, several community events were announced, including a free zoo day on May 31, sponsored by Connections Credit Union, and the Pokey Paddle event on June 13 at Centennial Park. The senior games, scheduled for July 10-19, were also highlighted, inviting participants aged 50 and over to engage in various activities.

The meeting also addressed staffing needs within the Parks and Recreation Department. Anne noted a pressing demand for summer workers, particularly for tasks like lawn mowing and park maintenance. Interested individuals aged 16 and up were encouraged to apply, with QR codes provided for easy access to job listings and activity guides.

Eric Seese, the library director, added that the youth bus passes can be picked up at multiple locations, including the Marshall Public Library, further integrating community resources to support youth engagement.

Overall, the Town Hall meeting underscored Pocatello's commitment to providing enriching summer experiences for its youth while fostering community involvement and support.