Watertown Optimist Club Celebrates 50 Years of Service and Invites New Members
- Steve Jurrens
- 31 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Watertown Optimist Club is marking a monumental milestone this year, celebrating its 50th anniversary of serving the local community. To kick off the celebration and expand their impact, the club is hosting a special “NOW” (New Optimists Wanted) meeting this coming Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Pizza Ranch starting at noon.
Val Engels and Carmen Bakken, representatives of the club, visited Northeast Radio SD to discuss the organization’s rich history and its ongoing mission to support local youth.
A Legacy of “Optimism in Action”
Since its charter on April 1, 1976, the Watertown Optimist Club has been a fixture in Codington County. The club still boasts one original charter member, Randy Rakness—better known to many locals as “Santa Randy”—who has been with the organization for all 50 years.
The club’s guiding principle is simple: bringing out the best in youth, the community, and themselves.
“The feedback we get when we’re doing these things for the kids... it’s so rewarding because I know I’m giving back to the community,” said Engels, a member of over 10 years.
Impactful Community Projects
The Optimist Club is responsible for several high-profile initiatives that have shaped Watertown’s recreational landscape:
· Winter Wonderland: A beloved annual holiday display at City Park.
· Born Learning Trail: Developed in partnership with United Way, this interactive trail at McKinley Park was the first of its kind in South Dakota, featuring signs that encourage early literacy and physical activity.
· All-Access Playground: The club was a pioneer in helping install handicap-accessible playground equipment at McKinley Park, ensuring children of all abilities can play together.
· Youth Scholarships: Every year, the club awards three scholarships to graduating seniors in Codington County based on an essay competition.
How to Get Involved
The club is actively seeking new members to help carry its mission into the next half-century.
· What: NOW (New Optimists Wanted) Meeting
· When: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM
· Where: Pizza Ranch, Watertown
· Perks: Lunch is provided for prospective members.
Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month. For those unable to attend meetings, the club remains active on its Facebook page, which posts updates on speakers, volunteer opportunities, and community events.
