Empowering Youth and Revitalizing Parks in South Stockton: Peter’s Story
THE PERSONAL CONNECTION
Peter Elias is a Youth Project Coordinator with Reinvent South Stockton Coalition and grew up in South Stockton, spending time at parks like McKinley where community events brought people together.
Those spaces shaped how he sees parks today, not just as places to go, but as spaces where young people should feel seen, supported, and free to be themselves.
THE PROBLEM
When parks are not safe or well-maintained, it sends a message. It can make young people feel like they don’t belong.
Run-down spaces can increase stress, limit opportunities for positive expression, and make it easier for negative influences to take hold.
Without safe places to gather, the risk of community violence and substance use increases.
WHY YOUTH VOICE MATTERS
Peter emphasizes that young people should be included in
decisions that directly affect their communities.
“Young people shouldn’t let someone who isn’t living in their communities make decisions for them.”
For BIPOC youth especially, being included means challenging a long history of being overlooked and unheard.
Let your story be heard. It could be what lights the fire for change.
THE SOLUTION
Youth in South Stockton are already leading the work.
Through the relaunched Youth Advisory Council, young people are advocating for safer, better-equipped parks, from restoring handball courts to pushing for improved lighting, walkability, and accessibility.
They are not just sharing ideas –they are helping shape real changes in their community. They are shaping the spaces they grew up in.
When people have something that looks nice and brings them safety, they take care of it.
Improved parks can build pride, strengthen community, and support youth health and well-being.
South Stockton youth are working to make that a reality and are leading the change.