Watertown Optimist Club Invests $2,000 in Joy Ranch’s Newest Project

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Optimist Club is stepping up to support local youth with a $2,000 donation to Joy Ranch. The funds are earmarked for The Hitching Post, a brand-new facility designed to expand the ranch’s capacity for year-round recreation and community service.

The donation was officially presented during the Optimist Club’s meeting on March 26, 2026, with Mallory Olsen accepting the gift on behalf of the ranch.

Expanding the Mission at “The Hitching Post”

The Hitching Post represents a major milestone for Joy Ranch, a faith-based organization known for its camps and mentorship programs. This new indoor space will allow the ranch to serve people facing various challenges by providing facilities for:

·         Pickleball, basketball, and volleyball.

·         Community events and gatherings.

·         Indoor camp activities for the Watertown area.

Joy Nelson of Joy Ranch expressed deep gratitude for the contribution, noting that the gift helps the ranch provide a space that the entire Watertown community can utilize.

A Shared Vision for Local Youth

The investment aligns with the Optimist Club’s core mission of “bringing out the best in youth”.

“The Hitching Post is an exciting addition, and we’re proud to play a small role in helping bring that vision to life,” said Val Engels, President of the Watertown Optimist Club. “Investing in our youth today creates a stronger, more hopeful tomorrow”.

Get Involved with the Optimist Club

The Watertown Optimist Club is a chapter of Optimist International, a volunteer organization dedicated to providing a positive vision for the next generation.

·         Meeting Schedule: The club meets every other Thursday at Pizza Ranch at Noon during the year and once a month during the summer.

·         Membership: Local residents passionate about community service are encouraged to attend a meeting or contact a current member to learn how to join.