Brian Nelson's renaming the Weight Room to Family Youth Teen Center seems a bit premature. Both sides have not been heard. I am greatly concerned that Nelson thinks it is OK to "displace" those who already use the building and current facilities because "there aren't that many of us!" Far more than six people will be evicted, including two T.O.P.S groups, oil and Tole painting, Yoga and Belly Dancing classes. The building is already available for any group wishing to reserve it, so those meeting without bathrooms should call the Recreation Department.
The police department's weight room is not open to the public and they were not the only ones using the equipment. Those who cannot afford the privately owned gym, the swim team and others have used the equipment religiously for some time. Also, just last year, new equipment was brought in and old benches and padding were reupholstered.
Half of the building cannot be converted into an arcade center, leaving half a "quiet area." The thin wall already allows the radio to be heard even when the volume is on low. With today's "music," you will also feel the "thump-thump-thump" of today's crap.
Many current activities need quiet or semi-peace. Our painting class of 15 years enjoys nice conversations without having to shout to be heard or listen to kids romping and cussing next door. Yes, "cussing." Kids continually use the "F" word in everyday conversation and calling each other bitch or whore is "cool." I was told our group could find someplace else. Like, where?
Even with good intentions, "order" will not be observed with volunteer staffing. Groups of kids cannot be watched all at once, let alone those hanging-around outside. The Skate Park is a good example of "cliqs" laying claim to public property and I, for one, would be scared to step into the middle of a clash. Also, if a group is having a meeting, the main door will be unlocked. Would you be willing to be the one to walk out to the game area and tell the kids to leave?
Anyone who has recruited volunteers knows you will have "no shows," leaving the area unmonitored. Will it need 24-hour monitoring because kids ditching school will show up to hang out? Teens, being disappointed they can't get in, will find something else to do and it's usually not good.
Realizing you think this is far-fetched and the good kids in our community don't do these things, consider past incidences: golf carts destroyed in the sheds or ridden around the course like 4-wheelers and dumped into the lake; graffiti; car windows shot out; attempted or successful suicides due to hazing; TP-ing of homes; Water Canyon picnic/camping area destroyed or the scene of teen drinking and drug parties; teen pregnancy on the rise. If you think giving kids a free pool hall will stop all of this, think again. It just gives them a place to meet first and decide what to do next.
Adults, who just want to be "buds" with the kids, will not stop the smoking, drinking, drugs, bullying or destruction of property. Then you have child molesters and perverts. Does the city really want to take on this responsibility? What about insurance liability? Whose money will fix broken games, windows and doors? If groups are coming for a meeting, why do they need arcade games? They should be "learning" something or be engaged in projects. Child obesity levels and youth diabetes are on the rise; why encourage standing in front of video games? Nelson says this won't be an open youth center, yet a month-long Humboldt Sun ad advertised a Friday Night Open Youth Night. Is this just the first misrepresentation before the real agenda emerges?
Maybe the idea should be explored, but not at another's expense. Find a vacant building - Honks or one on Bridge. I agree with the Mayor, "A change in use should not be one group displacing another." Really, REALLY, think this through and have your ducks in a row. Bill Douglas, I agree - do not use my tax dollars to support Mr. Nelson's personal agenda. Just remember: good intentions and nice ideas sometimes pave a road to somewhere you had no intent to go.
Roberta Rothwell is a resident of Winnemucca.
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