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T O P I C     R E V I E W Cara SPENN: I hope you don't mind, I thought this was worthy of it's own thread. I am wondering the same as you, if we built it, would they come??? A lot of teens hang out at the bowling alley... I think Allen needs a putt putt golf and race track! (Then us teens at heart could go too!) All these sports fields are nice, but after the games where can anybody go for relaxing & socializing and entertainment? I guess we have a choice between the bowling alley or going to Plano...or Dallas (DART rail could have gotten us to Dallas safer and faster!) Ooops..wrong subject. RICHARDB SAID: <snip> If, as you stated, Allen has nothing to offer it's citizens, what's your explanation why so many people are choosing Allen as their home? 10 years ago the population was 18,000 and we just topped 50,000... <snip> My reply was location. But once they get here, they have to go to another town for fun. Including our teens ((cringe))...at least those that just got their drivers license. [This message has been edited by Cara (edited February 22, 2001).] richardb A teen center, although justifiably needed, is a big undertaking. There's land to be purchased, a building to be built and a staff to maintain and operate it, all which leads to the question of funding. The general concensus is the best possibility of this occurring is in a joint effort with the YMCA and YWCA. The city and AISD could partner with these groups to get this done and get it done right. Cara You should really look at the way the City of Richardson operates it's rec centers. There is something there for everybody. We don't need YMCA or YWCA. We need more programs through our Parks and Recreation Department. As you've said yourself RichardB...Allen has grown substantially in the past few years. One rec center with loads of restrictions just isnt enough. richardb I have to disagree with your position that we don't need a YMCA or YWCA affiliated youth center for a number of reasons, but two come to mind. First, the youth have indicated they want their own center with programs designed specifically for them. The rec center is a facility for all citizens and doesn't offer the kind of individuality the youth want. Secondly, through one or both of these organizations, would come funding assistance and staff which could make the facility available sooner. A facility through these organizations would operate in conjunction with our Parks and Recreation Department. Also, in numerous surveys, the young people have indicated a desire for a YM(W)CA facility. Cara Well if the youth have spoken, then perhaps it would be a good idea. I know that you probably have more insight on this topic than anybody considering your position. However, YM(W)CA facilities are not just for youth. It would not be a youth facility. I have friends and acquaintences that use these facilities as well. What age group are you referring to when you say that these youths have expressed an interest? cchavez Has anyone considered opening up a REC facility in West Allen? richardb The survey was broken into 3 groups. 5-8 gr., 9th(Lowery Center) and 10-11th. The general feeling was Seniors will for the most part be leaving to go to college anyway, so they weren't included in the survey. One survey was conducted by the teen club X-Treme Teens. A similar survey was conducted by various churchs and another survey was conducted by this year's Leadership Allen Class. Interestingly, all 3 groups came back with almost identical responses. They want their own facility with activities designed specifically for youth. The naditorium is scheduled to be completed in September(depending on weather delays). It will have a variety of aquatic venues and the second floor will be dedicated to a workout center with a much wider selection of equipment and weights. Being at Rivercrest and Exchange, it's the closest facility to west Allen at this time. [This message has been edited by richardb (edited February 23, 2001).] Rose Thinking back, I grew up here, and when I was 15-16 years old (24 yrs.ago), Allen made a few attempts to give the teens a place to call their own. One was church oriented, it didn't last and one was "The Game Room" it lasted alittle while, but drugs and minors drinking soon closed this one down as well. Allen used to be sooo small. It's about time we try again to give teens a place to gather. Only Reminiscing............. Cara I suppose the bowling alley will have to suffice for now