Working for the next generation

Tricia Wagner, McCook Community Foundation Fund

This May will mark four years since my return to McCook after graduating from college and I am glad every day that I did.

Since returning, I have been able to immerse myself in community initiatives by joining local groups, such as the McCook Communities of Excellence 2026 initiative and the McCook Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. These groups are filled with community members, residents, and leaders who believe in the future of McCook and who are working tirelessly to make McCook better.

It is through these groups that I have been able to share my dreams for McCook and watch as they begin to morph into reality. With my background in public health and wellness, as well as eight summers spent working at the McCook City Pool, projects such as a new and improved city pool, the expansion of the walking trails, and the addition of a children’s museum have always been important to me. Not only would the completion of these projects lead to a better quality of life for McCook residents, they would also help to increase physical activity in our community, they would offer entertainment and educational opportunities for our youth and they would be an added incentive for young families interested in moving to or remaining in McCook.

I have always been passionate about McCook and any project to improve the quality of life in our community, but that passion took on added importance this past year. My husband Chandler and I are expecting our first child this summer, which has immensely increased my desire for more family and youth-oriented community projects.

Chandler and I always knew we wanted to be back in McCook before starting a family. We also agree that we want to live in a progressive McCook that will provide ample opportunities for our family to spend quality time together, a desire held by many young families.

When I think of the family Chandler and I are starting, I envision evenings spent together taking our goldendoodle Frankie to the dog park, going for a stroll on the walking trail or spending our summers at the local waterpark. I can picture us splashing around during swim lessons on a sun-soaked day and playing at the children’s museum on a gloomy afternoon.

What I don’t envision is piling our family into a vehicle on our way to yet another town to find those amenities. And, unfortunately, that out-migration is already happening in our community.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way.

I know these projects are large dreams, but dreams become reality every day. If projects like these are important to you, make your voice heard. Reach out to the city council which controls our tax dollars and stay informed on their progress. Reach out to the community groups which are working to get projects like these completed and ask to be involved.

These large community projects will not be cheap nor will they be resolved quickly. But if we - the parents of the next generation - want our children to lead happy, healthy lives, then every ounce of effort is worth it.