It was back to school on Monday for the Mayor and his council for the Rural Municipality of Ritchot.

Mayor Chris Ewen says one of his goals is to get younger people involved in municipal politics. Earlier this year, Ewen announced his council would hold two of their regular meetings inside schools and Monday was their first visit.

"It was a great success," says Ewen after holding the meeting at St. Adolphe School. "We had a great turnout from the kids, they presented a great delegation and council was excited to hear from them."

On the agenda was a delegation by a group of students from grades 7 and 8. Justis Hellegards, Bentley Stansel, Ryan Loewen, Ayub Regehr and Taylor Audette brought forth a suggestion for more recreational space inside the municipality.

"St. Adolphe is a fast growing community and with a rising population the needs of the town will go up," explains Regehr. "Though St. Adolphe already has a park, because of the Red River, it is frequently covered by water in the springtime."

Regehr says his group explored the possibilities of a recreational area inside the new Tourond Creek development.

Loewen says they would like to see something designed that would appeal to all generations. Features could include a soccer pitch, toboggan hill, skateboard and bike park and playground.

The group sent out approximately 50 surveys to students in grades 7 and 8. One of the most popular items was a multi-use trail which could be used by skateboards and bikes. At least 40 per cent of those surveyed indicated they would use a recreational area like this between one and three times each week.

"Studies show that people that spend more time outside are happier and more able to learn," says Hellegards. "Physical activity helps burn off excess energy and helps prevent disease."

He explains the space would be built in an area that allows connectivity between neighbours and residents of St. Adolphe.

Ewen says council will now take this information, and with help from their Recreation Director will see whether they can make this happen. He thinks it is definitely feasible.

"I think there is already some green space laid out on that side with the new development over there in Tourond Creek," says Ewen. "So there are possibilities and I don't think it will be as far away as some people think."

Also on the agenda Monday was a delegation by Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. The group is constructing a new $3 million facility and still needs about $1 million in order to complete the project. The RM of Ritchot has made a donation towards the project and a delegation from the Centre asked councillors to consider using their leverage to try and encourage neighbouring municipalities to also help out.

Ewen says Monday's meeting at St. Adolphe School was a great success. A second similar meeting is being planned for May in Ile des Chenes.