Dorie wrote:
No, it is not their responsibility.... but $200,000 invested in activities for kids skateboarding is small in comparison to what we might spend if they were out on the street doing drugs and killing shop clerks. In school, the kid who really needed to be in sports could never get into sports ...maybe it is different with skateboarding since it is an individual effort. What makes up a kid who would take to a skateboard park more so than just flying
over some homemade risers? Broken bones ahead but I think we are behind the
times on the idea.
My additional thoughts:
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm sticking with my knowledge of the problems created with having outdoor skate board parks in close proximity to residential homes. And again, ambitious teens in other cities have gotten off their butts and raised monies to build their own parks (including indoor skate parks). These responsible teens have also generally built their parks a safer distance from homes. It's always a good thing to consider citizens who need a peaceful, uninterrupted night sleep.
$200,000. may not seem like a lot to some (as some park projects far exceed that). I'm just in favor for using that same money to keep from losing 4-5 police officers.
Unfortunately, it seems more individuals involved in various sports are increasingly using illegal drugs. Sad but true. Not long ago a friend told me they were happy to chauffer their children to "break dancing" events held at community centers, as they were sure it was keeping their kids off the streets away from drugs. Recently the mother recanted, after learning her teens and many others in the dance groups were heavily involved in drugs. Some also involved in other crimes. It was convenient to buy and sell the drugs when all the teens were together at their sports-type events. Overall though, I do believe involvement in sports keeps more teens away from drugs. Or at least delays their experimenting with them.
Don Whittier
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