Greene County Daily World

What Youth Center?

Posted Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 10:13 AM
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OK, let's keep the ball rolling on this youth center matter.

It's not that hard folks. If you are in favor of this project then you need to contact a member of the Linton City Council and speak up! If you're against it do the same.

Or you could show up at the council's next monthly meeting. It's at 7 p.m. on April 14 at Linton City Hall.

So why do I care?

I have children. I care because I have children. How much more simple could it be?

But, it's this simplicity that also presents a problem. Would I care if I didn't have children? To be honest with you I don't know. I guess it would boil down to whether I was a compassionate person or not.

Children are our future. Let's face it folks one day our children will be taking care of us. And if we don't show them that we truly do care then how will they ever learn to care for others?

We will not rule this world forever. One day we will all die. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are our legacy.

Now, don't get me wrong. In the grand scheme of things whether our children have a youth center or not will not make them more kind or cruel. But, knowing that their future was important to an entire community couldn't hurt either.

Think about it.

Now on with the boring details.

* The project will renovate the Conservation Club into a youth/recreation center.

* The project will be funded by a grant and a local match.

* The estimated cost of the project is about $560,000.

* The grant would fund about $450,000 and requires a local match of about $100,000

* The local match would be paid with about $60,000 cash on hand and in-kind work--which credits the city for its employees working on the project.

* With this project our community will be eligible for further grants and programs that will fund sidewalks, trails and other projects.

* The Linton City Council Members are Nigel Lehman 847-4517, Jerry Ellett 847-9088, Tony Richards 847-7768 , Charlie Cox 847-2387, and Linda Bedwell 847-9876.

By the way, I would like to thank Council Member Charlie Cox for supporting the project as well as seeing Linton Mayor Tom Jones' vision.

Comments
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Let's take a proactive approach and have the next council meeting AT the Conservation Club! Is that even possible? How many people that are shooting this down have actually even stepped foot in the CC?? I think it would be fantastic to actually be in the environment to see and hear Mayor Jones talk about his vision. People can moan and groan all they want about the PROBLEMS out there but come on and get real... there are problems everywhere both inside and outside city limits and (hold on to your seat!) THERE ALWAYS WILL BE!! Children AND adults are always going to get hurt, sometimes tragically, no matter what type of safety precautions are taken. Accidents happen. That is life. Let's start making good things happen for a change.

-- Posted by minermama on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 12:18 PM

well said!!!

-- Posted by Greenee on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 1:27 PM

It is absurd to claim that council members or people who oppose the youth center are not compassionate people. To say just because some of the council members have no children they are not for youth programs is hurtful. Maybe being childless for some is not a choice they made.

-- Posted by springfever on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 1:42 PM

Also, while we are talking about caring for our children, fluoridated water would be a responsible decision.

-- Posted by springfever on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 2:20 PM

Lets get a petition going around the community with all in favor and those that are not. Lets see the numbers. All we hear is that the council has spoken with the community and they (the community) are not for this project location. lets see the numbers!! The meeting that I was @ had alot more in favor, than those that were not.

-- Posted by instructor on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 6:24 PM

I completely agree, instructor!! I say we get some petitions going around town and the school district (not just "city limit" kids will be using the facility). I suggest this also be done by someone other than the city council members. If the fire and police officials are willing to volunteer their time at the center, should it actually come to light, can they possibly take charge of this project? Or how about getting the PTO, local Boy and Girl Scouts, or Junior Civitan involved? Just some suggestions!

-- Posted by minermama on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 8:16 PM

The Petition is going around, but it is hard to get to everyone. Come to the next council meeting and sign it.

-- Posted by Temp77 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 8:35 AM

If we are fortunate enough to receive this grant for the 'Youth Center' and our Conservation Club is remodeled and repaired, and the youth of our community do not choose to support it (as the other 2 youth centers that were made for them) then the adult community will have an awesome new area to use for meetings, etc... a win / win situation!

-- Posted by Proud to live in Linton on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 8:45 AM

I think using the grant for a youth center is a good thing. BUT..I want to hear about what happens AFTER the building is built. How is it going to be maintained. What about security. what about a parking area. In other words, what about the ongoing costs? These are questions that need to be addressed. On the other hand, the project could be a starting point for the community to get involved and make the conservation club a real park that would be a community asset with hiking trails and picnic areas. The potential is great and the possibilities unlimited.

-- Posted by deano on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 10:22 AM

I need to sign that petition! Where can I find it?

-- Posted by america on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 10:38 AM

YOU WOULD HAVE TO DRINK A BATHTUB FULL OF WATER TO BENEFIT FROM FLUORIDATED WATER.

-- Posted by JMORROW on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 11:14 AM

I am all for signing the petition but how can that be done when one is at work during the time of the council meetings? I am with america... "WHERE IS IT??" And good one, JMORROW, for you gave me a good laugh. I thought we were supposed to "stick with the subject" and how "fluoridated water" fell under the "youth center" blog is beyond me but quite funny.

-- Posted by minermama on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 11:34 AM

The petition is being circulated by the boys and girls youth baseball/softball leagues. I am sure the city hall has the point of contacts for those two leagues.

-- Posted by Temp77 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 1:35 PM

I am hoping for a cost-practical approach to a youth center. The greatest threat is having a center with upkeep and maintenance costs. The grant proposal should include initial, mid-term and long-term costs of operation. It is easy to sign a petition, but is hard to mow grass paint, clean and protect from crime.

As far as the flouridated water goes...a little education should show the benefits of flouridated water. Read this link by the American Dental Association...

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/flouride/index.as...

-- Posted by Greene County Patriot on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 2:20 PM

I am just getting up to speed on this community center project. What exactly is the vision? Why was this location chosen? I am very interested.

As far as the comment about water fluoridation, I was simply saying that if Ms. Ferree is going to advocate for children (which is wonderful), then maybe she could get passionate about doing something important for their health too. I know that people sometimes get overly excited about their "cause" and often say/print opinions that can be offensive and hurtful or go off on a tangent like I did.

What about revamping the Roy Clark building at the park, is that an option? Was it originally supposed to be used for the youth?

-- Posted by springfever on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 2:56 PM

WELL,IF WE PUT FLOURIDE IN THE WATER LETS ADD FRUITS&VEGGIES TOO.BRUSH TEETH!!

-- Posted by JMORROW on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 3:36 PM

They mow and watch over it now so what would be the difference.

-- Posted by Temp77 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 3:57 PM

springbreak, you can learn more by reading the article and comments.:

http://gcdailyworld.com/story/1317061.html#Comment...

-- Posted by Greenee on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 8:11 PM

Thanks Greenee, I went back and read the comments and articles. I don't think the general idea of a youth center is a bad one. As a parent, I am not sure the location is the best choice. I also can't really see putting that much money into a building that is so far gone already. From what I am reading and being told, the vision for this youth center is kind of all over the place. What is it that people see...a fishing and hunting park? ball fields? skate site? a place to hang out and have big screen televisions and ping pong? a place where the city can hold meetings? I'm still somewhat foggy on the big picture.

-- Posted by springfever on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 8:57 PM

The "vision" is very ambitious and is far more than the Canteen or the Community building at the park were ever intended to be. This project is a complex rather than just a building to house activities.

In a complex setting, the goal is for the buildings (2) to be renovated, sewage and water lines to run back Park Road for future development at this site and beyond, for baseball diamonds, soccer facilities, an indoor pool (in the next two years), and with the grant of trails money a $3.1 million trail and walkway that will start at the school and wind around town ending at the Conservation Club and Park. Lighting will be included and it can be used by everyone.

The goal really is to make the Conservation Club a useful space and to improve the quality of life for Linton's residents, local people and visitors.

There are many more ideas, but in addition to these ideas, Generations (in Vincennes) and the new NORCC Naturally Occuring Retirement Community is making plans for mentoring opportunities for elders and retired people who want to do that. Volunteers have already said they would help with construction and improvements, and still others have volunteered to monitor the club areas to keep the people safe. There will also be a nice parking lot there.

The project hasn't even broken ground yet and already caring people are volunteering to make great things happen there. It is an incredible opportunity for Linton.

-- Posted by Greenee on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 3:54 PM

springfever, to answer your question, it can be whatever people want it to be and if you have ideas, please submit then to a member of the City Council, the Advisory Plan Commission or the Mayor so that we can look for additional grant opportunities to further develop the space.

There are already fishing opportunities and hiking and bike trails. Think of family things or youth activities and just about anything you dream of can happen there.

-- Posted by Greenee on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 3:58 PM

That all sounds wonderful. I'm wondering if people who are against the idea are under the impression that it will be just a building for the youth to hang out. Why is it being called a youth center? This sounds so one sided and like some of the other projects that have been tried before. Why not something that all people can connect with...family recreation park or something? In my opinion, I think gymnasiums and ball fields would get the most use and bring in the most money for the city. An indoor pool and even a track/fitness center would be nice. Some of the athletic facilities I have seen are beautiful and useful for more than just athletics, if done right. I would not allow my children to attend hiking, fishing, biking activities with retired and elderly volunteers, but that is just me. The upkeep and keeping the volunteers interested in continued service would be a big concern.

-- Posted by springfever on Thu, Mar 20, 2008, at 9:04 PM

I am not against a youth center, it's just that the location is horrible. Hunting and fishing is what I am hearing a lot of. But, do you really want ball diamonds next to a hunting area with stripper pits. Kids wander off sometimes you know. I have three kids and if the center were in town somewhere, they could ride their bikes to it. And why $500,000.00 to renovate? That much money could build one heck of a new building. Has anyone looked into the property behind the Park Inn? Probably not. It has plenty of room for buildings, ball diamonds (softball and baseball), and a skate park. Plus, the city park would be right across the road. I have not seen or heard of any other options here. What is it that is so great about the conservation club. Have you driven around back there? It is the cities dump you know.

-- Posted by Straight_Shot on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 11:23 AM

Yep...not sure what they are dumping, but its something.

All I know is we had better get that grant before Worthington ends up with it....

-- Posted by america on Fri, Mar 21, 2008, at 10:34 PM

What other sites (if any) have been considered?

-- Posted by Straight_Shot on Mon, Apr 28, 2008, at 12:04 PM