Every Voice Matters: One Young Resident’s Impact

Apr 23, 2026

Every voice matters in our community, including those from our youngest residents. Meet Shatavia Barber, a young resident who rolled into a Bowling Green Board of Commissioners meeting with a simple but powerful message: make sure every child has a place to play. Shatavia shared what it means to navigate our parks and programs from a wheelchair. She asked for accessible vehicles so kids like her can attend summer camps. She spoke up for playground equipment everyone can use. And she reminded us that something as simple as a rubberized surface can open the door to inclusion. Her impact is already being felt. She loves the new merry-go-round at Parker Bennett Community Center, and the growing number of accessible playground surfaces across our city means more kids can roll right into the fun. This is what community-led progress looks like. Watch Shatavia’s story and see how one voice is helping shape a more inclusive Bowling Green.

Category: Spotlight on Bowling Green