Talia's Speech at City Hall
Alderwick Park had an unused paved area beside its pond. Talia Ruiz, a third-grade resident, spoke about the area at an Alderwick City Council meeting. Residents of Alderwick elect a mayor and seven council members. Each council member represents a district, or part of the city. The mayor leads city meetings, and the council discusses and votes on local plans.
“Good evening, Mayor Chen and council members,” Talia said. “Please consider turning the paved area into a rain garden with native plants and three benches. The garden could help water soak into the ground after storms. People could sit and watch butterflies near the pond. I know some skaters would rather keep the pavement for a skating area, so I hope you will consider both ideas.”
The council did not vote that night. Members asked the parks director about the garden's cost, drainage, and yearly care. They also listened to a group of skaters explain their idea. At the next meeting, the council voted 5–2 to approve the rain garden and benches. Mayor Chen signed the approved plan. Then the parks department began preparing the area. The decision included ideas from residents, information from city workers, and a vote by elected council members.