Girl Scouts’ proposal brings crosswalk, wildlife-crossing sign to Winter Springs

The little girl in the blonde ponytail and clear-rimmed glasses sat motionless, staring straight ahead as the mayor and a half dozen men and women in suits, ties and business blouses peered curiously back at her. When they called her name, Rylan Synan, 11, stood from her seat and took four brisk steps to the podium, her speech in her left hand and a fuzzy pink and brown wolf in her right.

Wearing her bright green, badge-covered Girl Scout vest, she stood on her toes to reach the microphone and adjusted it before launching into her pitch to the Winter Springs City Commission.

Her goal: Making Winter Springs safer, particularly where Gee Creek bends east from Moss Park, flows under Moss Road, and disappears into the forest on the other side. It’s a frequent spot to cross for both people and wildlife, as cars zip past on that north-south ribbon of asphalt.

“It’s unfair that just a couple of speeding cars can ruin someone’s day,” she said. “Animals like my friend Wolfie here would like to cross the road safely. Imagine you’re in a car and you see my cute friend Wolfie. You wouldn’t want to run him over, would you?”

On Sept. 11, new white crosswalk lines stretched across where Dolphin Road dead ends into Moss Road, along with a bright yellow “Wildlife Crossing” sign catching the sunlight. It was the same spot that Rylan and fellow Troop 869 members, 11-year-olds Olivia Wade, Kenzi Bucholz, Veronica Nash and 10-year-old Anna Titchenal had pointed to on their visuals and maps at the commission meeting back on April 14. Now that their idea has been made a reality, they have completed their Bronze Award, the highest honor for Junior Girl Scouts.

Five months earlier, the girls faced the Winter Springs City Commission to make their proposal for the crosswalk and wildlife-crossing sign. With Kenzi and Anna by her side, holding visual aids that almost touched the floor, Olivia said animals shouldn’t have to worry about being hit by cars when wanting to cross the road.

“Have you ever heard the joke of why the playful chicken crossed the road?” Olivia asked the commission. “He wanted to get to the other side, but he can’t get there if he gets run over.”

Troop Leader Erin Nash said the idea began last year when the five girls began planning their project.

“They all got together and came up with these ideas,” Nash said. “They figured out what was the most feasible and what was going to make the most impact.”

Veronica said the crosswalk and wildlife-crossing sign would improve the safety of those who regularly cross that stretch of road. 

“It’s extremely crucial to do this because children and animals cross those roads multiple times a day,” Veronica said at the podium. “If there were crosswalks and animal crossings, people would stop for others more, and it would help the people and the animals a lot.”

For the girls’ parents, seeing them go from Girl Scouts behind the cookie booths to little civil engineers presenting real plans to city leaders was something special.

“It was exciting watching them get up and speak in front of the commission meeting,” Rylan’s mother, Mindy Synan, said.

City officials praised the girls’ determination, highlighting their preparedness and hard work.

“Troop 869 didn’t just show up with a good idea — they did their homework, surveyed the area, identified a real gap in neighborhood safety and articulated their case with clarity and heart,” Commissioner Paul Diaz said in an email. “When they came to City Hall, they weren’t looking for a photo op. They were looking to solve a problem in their community.”

Winter Springs City Manager Kevin Sweet added in an email that the girls’ visit to City Hall was important in teaching the youth about how city government works.

“This project was an excellent opportunity to collaborate with the community, namely the Girl Scouts, and educate our youth on the workings of the city government,” Sweet said. 

The timing of the proposal had lined up with planned improvements to Moss Park.

“It was kind of luck that they had already planned and budgeted for park improvements at Moss Park,” Nash said. “They were ready to get started with construction for the park improvements, because there’s a creek, and they were like, ‘Oh, we can definitely add that project.’”

Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann said the troop’s effort helped move the crosswalk forward. “They really helped expedite the project. They didn’t just suggest it — they made it happen,” he said. “The City of Winter Springs is proud to support Girl Scout Troop 869 and their Bronze Project. Their work not only improves safety and awareness for residents and wildlife, but reminds us of the power of community and the next generation’s commitment to making a difference.” 

Afterward, the Girl Scouts reflected on the experience, hoping others would follow in their footsteps to make a difference in their community. “It was nice seeing that we’re actually making changes,” Olivia said. “I hope that instead of griping about how the world is very bad, they’ll actually do something and be the change,” Veronica added.

Parents who witnessed their daughters’ drive shared how the girls learned more about how to get things accomplished in their community. 

“I think they have a better understanding of how to get things officially done, especially through working with the city in particular, and how they can actually make an impact,” Olivia’s mom, Angie Wade, said. “If they notice a need in the community, they can bring it up to someone who might be able to change it.”

McCann said he hopes the girls’ actions inspire others to be vocal in their community. “If Troop 869 and those young ladies can do it, we can all do it in some small way,” McCann said. “It doesn’t take running for office, it just takes caring enough to contribute.”