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Something for the tweenies?

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by vacliff, Jul 29, 2006.

  1. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Hi Folks-
    First, some background.
    I was talking to one of our Van Metre HOA Board members who is also part of the Broadlands Commercial Property Association. She told me that the site manager of the Tetra Plaza (the one by the Sunoco) has been dealing with a lot of vandalism from kids. Things like starting fires, graffitti, etc. He had spoken to a group and asked them why they just hang around the plaza. Their response was that there's nothing for them to do in Broadlands. Most of the kids range in ages 10-13.

    She relayed this story to me and was wondering if there were some type of amenity that they, the Developer, could add to Broadlands that would fit this age group. So, I'm throwing this out to you all for comment.

    I find it kind of ridiculous that kids claim to have nothing to do. Let's see.....
    3 pools, numerous playgrounds, miles of walking/biking trails, fishing, acres of woods and streams to play in, acres of open field space for playing ball (the 3 school properties), come to mind immediately.

    The amenity that I can think of for this age group would be some type of skate park. But what do you think?
     
  2. sunnydog

    sunnydog New Member

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    What about something like the teen center that Purcellville has? The "original" community center facility could be used for it since it appears to be underutilized. Or what about the "stone house" by the tennis courts?
     
  3. Homer Simpson

    Homer Simpson New Member

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    Dave and Busters. Oh wait, thats for me. They pretty have everything here they could want except for a skate park or boys/girls club.
     
  4. rharse

    rharse New Member

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    Let's see what did I do during the summer when I was 10-13? I played baseball, street hockey, hung out at friends houses or in our front yards, etc. Why can't these kids do the same? And where are the parents? It frustrates me that society (or HOA) has to pay the price for these kids when I guess I think this is their parent's responsibilty.

    And what has changed so much that kids can't entertain themselves with out doing some sort of damage whether it be minor vandalism or stealing from people's garage's (another post).

    Who knows. I've got two little boys (3 years and 20 months) and I hope I do a good job of raising them so they won't feel the need to cause these types of issues and can safely and legally entertain themselves when they are in the teens.
     
  5. Twriter

    Twriter Get a Mac!

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    Cliff, I think the idea of a skate park is very good. I know my 12-year old would love it (I can't ask him now, he's at camp). There isn't time to build one this summer. So if it is built, it would be for next summer. You may want to survey the kids at Eagle Ridge MS this September to see what other ideas they may have.

    --- John B.
     
  6. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    Well, at the risk of sounding like the bad guy. Why not show these kids the consequences of their actions by sending them on a tour of Loudon County Lockup and detention facility. Why should residences, taxpayers and the commercial developers be held hostage by children who "don’t have anything to do" other than destroy what their parents have given them. There are lots of things for tweenies to do, homework, reading, getting jobs, etc. But, if they choose to break the law and vandalize homes or places of business, then send them lock’em up. If you add skate parks and community centers, then when these facilities are closed the kids will still have the same excuse. Example, the swimming pools here in the Broadlands, have been closed several times due to vandalism because "kids don’t have enough to do". The same kids using the pools during the day are vandalizing them at night. We gave them the pool facilities and how to they respect it? Showing children what the consequences of their actions may be a better solution rather than "rewarding" them with an activity.
     
  7. Neighbor

    Neighbor Member

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    What is a skate park? Is it for rollerskates, rollerblades, or skateboards? Growing up, we had a roller rink. Is that the same thing? And since it is a "park," is it outside or an indoor park? I dont know where Broadlands would have room to add another park and I don't think a homeowner will want a skating park in their backyard.
     
  8. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    skateparks (for skateboards and rollerblades) are historically a tough insurance thing to keep.. plus they need regular upkeep to replace worn materials, etc.

    The 'nothing to do' arguement will be tossed out endlessly. You can't control where kids loiter, because if you try to funnel them into a certain spot, its no longer 'cool' to be there. The shopping centers give an interesting twist because they are inside the community, and already have key items like food. It would be interesting if you could combine the food/convience factor with a spot the kids could hang out in. Say a place with an arcade, internet cafe, some music/etc. And set it up so kids can loiter INSIDE, not outside.
     
  9. 6moore

    6moore New Member

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    Trailside has a park that is similar to what was suggested. It's very busy, not only with free skate but also with inline clinics and such. It's right off the W&OD trail. The leesburg skate park is very utilized, drive by any time and see.
     
  10. Twriter

    Twriter Get a Mac!

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    Neighbor... a skate park is mainly for roller blades (aka inline skates or bi-skates) and skateboards. It features ramps for skaters to do tricks on. Here's a photo of the one in Leesburg:
    http://www.idalee.org/parks/skatepark/

    As Flynnibus pointed out, insurance and maintenance are big costs. Kids will have accidents there, no doubt about that. Just like a pool, it will need to be staffed.

    The park at Trailside is a rink, and does not have any ramps. Although it usually open so anyone can skate there, Ashburn Inline Hockey has first rights on all rink time. They don't have practices in the summer or winter, only in the fall and spring. It also for roller blades only, no skateboards.

    --- John B.
     
  11. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    Alright everyone...the reason the kids hang out with their friends is just that. They want to hang out and talk, goof off, whatever. It's not for lack of a youth center, roller rink, arcade, etc. Once you designate a place for these same kids to congregate, they'll be doing the same thing - hanging out at the entrance, talking, goofing off, whatever. There will still be vandelism and rowdiness. I agree with the reader that law enforcement needs to be involved ESPECIALLY if there's graffitti and arson involved!
     
  12. DAD4

    DAD4 New Member

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    They should move the "Decoy" cop car that's been sitting on Demmott for the last month to the gas station plaza
     
  13. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    well that would be a heck of a walk for the officer to get to his car everyday then now wouldn't it? :)
     
  14. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    we can give them a ton of things to do and while i think it's a great idea and would be good for the community- it won't do a thing to stop graffiti, theft and vandalism. being a thief is a character flaw, not a symptom of boredom. kids that deface property will deface ANYTHING that people will see- including whatever new facility they are given.

    some people- you can give them everything and it still won't change their desire to do the wrong thing...

    skatepark, arcade, internet cafe- all GREAT ideas!!!
     
  15. Skins fan

    Skins fan Tequila fan (100% agave)

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    Although boys may be more inclined towards vandalism, don't forget that there are lots of tween girls looking for things to do. Skateparks end up being primarily for boys and there are already skateparks in the area. I think a staffed tween/teen center with organized activities for kids would be a great service for area youth. It could potentially offer organized trips to the Leesburg skatepark and other supervised activities for BOTH boys and girls. The community center has potential as a site with the building and pool both already there and a park with a basketball court across the street. The activities wouldn't have to all be free but could possibly be subsidized.

    My suggestion would be to contact the Tim Chesnutt with Advisory Commission on Youth (703-777-0358) and Carol Kost with the Loudoun Youth Initiative. They already have developed a mission that is working toward the same goals we are discussing here. The mission is posted on the Loudoun.gov site. There may be able to help with county funding to help get a teen center staffed or with transportation options using county school busses.

    Skins fan
     
  16. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    perhaps we can build a jail for these punks... there's a nice amenity for their spoiled selves.
     
  17. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    this is why I think a 'hang out' built to keep them inside would be great.

    Maybe some TVs to let them play their video games on.. head to head video games will keep people entertained for along time.

    Internet cafe setup.. kids like to geek online.. and some even more so when their friends are near them (even when not playing online games). So mayhave a few permanent stations setup.. and then have seating with power/lan available.. or power+wireless (lan would be easier to setup/maintain for us.. tho I think there are some packaged OS methods for this now too).

    A video game area (I know several operators) with something like DanceDanceRevolution and 2-3 other games.

    And then something else that could facilate a 'hang out' without a specific task.. like a eating area, etc. Thats why I think something near to other food places (like the green monster building) would be cool because there is pizza, subs, and convience store all within a hundred feet of that place. Let the kids go get food somewhere and hang out there.

    The trick (as every marketeer will attest to) is how to lasso the fickel teen into your product and maintain.

    Personally I think it would be a cool project and worthwhile investment (rather then things like the community center).. but that's just me. And how to get something without a rent that would break any budget within the community.
     
  18. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    IMHO, you shouldn't have to bait kids with pizza and video games so they behave like respectable human beings...
     
  19. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Honestly the bad kids are going to be bad regardless. I could care less about them. I'd be more interested in having something fun and interesting for the kids.
     
  20. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    Just a quick suggestion for the tweenie issue. Has anyone investigated the 4H Community Clubs that I previously suggested? 4H is no longer just for the rural and farming communities. They have an expansive outreach for kids ages 5-19. Activities include but not limited to: chess clubs, gardening, sewing and home economics, food and nutrition, woodworking, archery, rock climbing, caving, livestock shows, rural activities, computer clubs, science, math, and other life skills. Alot of other activities that are too numerous to list are available. People from all walks of life enjoy the programs.

    Kids of all income levels are welcome. Scholarships are available if needed. Youth nearing college may apply for scholarship aid for college tuition. Community service is emphasized and responsible adult leaders (parents, community activitists, and others) are helpful. The kids learn leadership skills by leading the activites and gaining insight to new life experiences.

    Even though we are parents of quads and soon twins--we enjoy volunteering with other kids and their parents. You would be amazed at some of the changes we have seen in these kids. No, it is not just for rural and farm kids or at risk kids--all kids enjoy the clubs. Check out 4H web sites (local and national). Competition is part of the program but in a good way.

    Perhaps a police presence is necessary in your area--vandalism of any kind should not be tolerated by a local town or community. Not just video games but new and challenging interests can channel energy to other avenues never explored before. Just an idea--if your area is serious about wishing information on this 4H or any other suggestions--please do not hesitate to post a query on the forum. I do not have all the answers but out of concern just thought I would offer an idea for the HOA and other residents to mull over. Thanks.
     

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