TriCounty Day

The bumper cars were a fun attraction during TriCounty Day at Wayside Park in White Springs. -Photo: Befaithful Coker

By Befaithful Coker

WHITE SPRINGS, Fla.  — On April 25, 2026, Wayside Park in White Springs had over one hundred youth, family and community leaders gathered for a vibrant and impactful Tri County Day, celebrating unity across Columbia, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties. The event highlighted not only friendly competition and recreation, but also the growing partnership between local governments and community organizations working to enhance shared public spaces.     

     One of the day’s featured activities, a canoe competition, brought teams together in a test of coordination and teamwork. Team Suwannee, led by Suwannee County Commissioner Don Hale alongside Jayda and Jaylon Rivers, earned first place honors. Team Columbia followed in second, with Team Hamilton placing third.

     Reflecting on the experience, Hale emphasized the deeper value of the activity. “Today was an amazing day, and canoeing gave young people the opportunity to better understand how people work together as teams,” he said.

     Beyond the water, the park was filled with activity as youth rotated through bumper cars, remote control car racing, drone demonstrations, snow-themed treats, and racquetball. The variety of experiences underscored the event’s focus on engagement, creativity, and collaboration.

     During the welcome address, leaders from the Town of White Springs expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with Our Community Cares Coalition. Town representatives recognized the organization’s adoption of Wayside Park by Our Community Cares Coalition and its continued investment in improving the space through large-scale murals, landscaped flower beds, and artistically designed tables.

     Bo Beauchemin, speaking on behalf of the coalition, shared the broader vision behind the initiative. He explained that the effort goes beyond beautification, focusing on creating environments where young people feel both safe and inspired. “The vision is holistic,” Beauchemin said. “Young people should feel safe at parks—they should be able to learn and play.”

     That vision is already taking shape through the completion of Phase I of the park’s mural project. The installation features more than 170 painted figures representing local, state, and national leaders, businesses, memorial tributes, and everyday citizens. Spanning three counties, the mural carries the theme “Connected in the Suwannee River,” symbolizing unity across the region.

     The event also brought together a full council from White Springs and officials from Suwannee County, offering youth the opportunity to interact directly with civic leaders. “These connections are a key part of building future leadership and community engagement”, said Bea Coker.

     Tri County Day is part of a larger Youth Leadership Week organized by the Ambassadors. Upcoming events include a Youth Festival featuring a business showcase, chess tournament, and cook-off, followed by a trip to Tallahassee where Ambassadors will gain firsthand insight into the legislative process. The week will conclude with a formal banquet at the Blanche.

     As the day came to a close, the energy at Wayside Park reflected more than just a successful event—it signaled a growing movement to connect communities, empower youth, and reimagine public spaces as hubs of learning, safety, and shared pride.

During TriCounty Day at Wayside Park in White Springs, visitors enjoyed canoeing. -Photo by Befaithful Coker