I NEED HELP EVERYONE!!!!
Why We Need a Recreational Center
With the onslaught of crimes committed by minors in our neighborhood, we desperately need a recreational center. When I was growing up, the rec. center was my favorite place to go. Saturday night bashes with food and live DJs. Ping-pong and billiard tournaments. Study sessions with friends after school. Movie and game nights. That’s what I did for fun, all in a safe and adult-monitored environment. My experience sharply contrasts with that of the youths I’ve been observing.
Every day after work, I drive through our neighborhood and see the same thing: teenagers loitering in front of yards, looking bored and up to no good. Five of my neighbors’ cars have been broken into in the past three months. Seven houses, including mine, have been toilet-papered and egged. And according to the police department, these numbers only increase during the summer. During the summer months of 2007 alone, there were 11 car burglaries and 13 criminal mischief and vandalism offenses in our neighborhood. Such statistics prove that we must provide something for these teenagers to do.
A recreational center would offer these kids an economical and safe place to socialize and have fun—even while studying. Upon the implementation of a community recreational center program in Winfield, Kansas, crimes committed by minors decreased by 70%. The same thing can happen here.
I have heard some people complain that we can find better ways to spend our tax dollars. If you can find something that has more personal, social, community benefits, I would like to hear about them. In a nationwide study conducted at Pennsylvania State University, researchers compiled a list of the benefits perceived by the American public. According to the study, users of recreational centers benefited from exercise, entertainment, education, relaxation, interaction with community members, and affordability. And you don’t even need to use the recreational center to experience its benefits. Researchers found that “71% of non-users said they received some benefit.” One participant stated, “I’m grateful for the recreational center because it keeps kids off the streets.”
For the future of our neighborhood and our children, let’s do what is necessary to clean up our youth. Let’s give them a recreational center.
Why could the author be perceived as biased against teenagers?
A.
The author's teenage children are often disobedient.
B.
The author saw some teenagers break into his or her car.
C.
The author does not have a nearby recreational center.
D.
The author's house has been toilet-papered and egged.