How can Dover improve opportunities for young people?
Posted
Two recent Opinion writers have addressed the need for more to do for teens and young adults in the capital city. One wrote, “The idle time that some of us have is channeled toward negative activities that not only affect us but the surrounding area and community.” What can Dover leaders do to boost recreational opportunities and positive outcomes for youth?
Literally give them something to do. I see an abundance of kids on electric bikes and such now. Open a park for them to ride at. The city can add a skate park and such, as well. Aside from that, parents can be actually involved in their kids’ lives. Stop coddling them and teach them actual life lessons. — Earl White
Longer e-bike trails to ride on, maybe a 20-mile trail. That would be a safe and healthy option, not through the streets. — Pete Peno
What do towns that don’t have a drug-and-crime problem provide for their youth? Do any of the large employers like Bayhealth or Delaware State University sponsor any clubs or activities? — Ellen Hart Richardson
While I don’t disagree with the original sentiment, I’m drawing a parallel as a parent. Saying we need something to do feels like when kids say they are hungry but don’t say what they want to eat. You can present a bunch of options, but they aren’t always excited by the healthiest ones. I think we can see much better results with a request for something specific. As many have pointed out, there are things to do, but they’re just not things your kids want to do anymore. What does a teen’s ideal week/month look like these days? Is it something the community can provide? What options would excite them more than the negative activities they’re choosing to channel their energy to? What price point is affordable? How can we make sure kids have access to these places or activities? — Kerri Lacey
Maybe schools and colleges in Delaware can have youth work on state projects. Go take a million dollars and a task to a school. For example, Delaware needs to make paper and cardboard. Have students work on the process of building a business, picking a site, determining logistics and design. Maybe industrial and engineering activities could become a competition that kids could get involved with that would lead to careers. — Thaddeus Fisher
I love that concept and idea. The school systems in Delaware are horribly infected with self-interested corruption. So, unfortunately, here’s how that would go in our real world now: We put $1 million into a grant for a school to solve the problem. The school creates an administrative position with $1 million to run the program. They use 99% of that on the salaries and benefits and administration of nothing. Perhaps, if we were to make it a competitive prize, such as a $1 million prize for the school or organization, that creates and implements the project to its completion. — Larry Sullivan
There are many opportunities for youth in Dover. People just have to start looking for themselves, instead of wanting the city to bring the programs to them. The Dover Public Library has quite a few. Dover Parks & Recreation has numerous sports — football, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, fishing, to name a few. Local county parks also offer many activities that are just minutes away. Schools provide a lot of things to do after hours and during the summer. — Sandy Johnson
Are these programs affordable, though? Can kids get there without parents driving them? Do they require supervision? Can we offer more than just sports? — Katie Young
Some suggestions: financial literacy programs, a curfew, trade school scholarships, more police to stop the incessant drug and general crime issues, and year-round school for structure, as well as a way to keep kids out of trouble in the summer. — Jessica R. Eckbold
Youth should have to volunteer at various nonprofits. There should also be work opportunities that are funded through government programs, like CETA and a few older ones that were fundamental to introducing kids to government service, developing a work ethic and providing possible entry-level positions after high school. There used to be tons of clubs and organizations, but it seems that the focus is more on sports. — N. Taylor Collins
Anything recreational and after-school programs would be helpful, but do you want an honest opinion? Make it affordable for parents to be home when their kids get off from school. Most of us work two jobs, or there are two working parents. We aren’t home when the kids get off because we have to work overtime or a second job just to pay for basic necessities. — Jana Marie
Dover has spent the last 40 years taking youth programs away because officials didn’t want to spend the money. So, any ideas that wouldn’t cost money in any way are what they are asking for. — Jeff Grzeszczak
“The last 40 years”? What about Schutte Park? How about the expansion of the Dover Public Library and all the programs there? Dover Parks & Rec has numerous activities for youth. — Sandy Johnson
