Jagger-esque slide at Emerson School.Whether or not the Recreation Commission ever comes into being, the need for recreation exists. But does municipal government have to meet the need?
Speakers at the Feb. 14 meeting asked for officials to take a broader view of recreation than just youth sports. Plaintalker would ask, who else besides city government is supplying youth athletic programs in Plainfield and then what other kind of activities do people want?
On the campaign trail, Councilwoman Rebecca Williams advocated a parcourse for city residents. The Somerset County Park Commission has a good example in Colonial Park, a 1.4 mile fitness trail with stations for various exercises. A lot of people already use the track at Hub Stine Field for walking or jogging, with or without improvised stretching along the way.
In some cities, people use open space for group tai chi or other exercises.
One of the issues in the current controversy over the Recreation Division was a problem getting statistics on program scope and participation. A larger question might be, how many opportunities in all are out there for baseball, softball, tennis, soccer, swimming, hockey and golf?
The city has a mix of municipal, county and school district spaces where people can formally or informally play sports.
Then there are those who enjoy birdwatching, nature study, kite flying or even taking Fido to the dog park. The city also has long-range plans for a bicycle trail along the Green Brook.
Other recreation associations nearby have classes for arts and crafts, community bands and clubs for photography or stamp collecting. Some of these activities take place in senior centers or community centers.
Teens who want to socialize may rely on local churches for dances and get-togethers. Plainfield has at least 100 houses of worship, some very well equipped with gyms and halls that accommodate group activities.
On a day like today, with many off from work and another weather event in the works, daydreaming about activities in the other three seasons is very enticing. What do we have and what do we want for recreation in spring, summer and fall? OK, what can we do indoors or outdoors even in this kind of weather? Some recreation commissions develop five-year plans through such thinking.
In times where all preconceived notions of public planning and spending are up for review, why not find out the current state of affairs in citywide recreation and give thought to the future?
--Bernice
All good points, Bernice. With an $800K budget, you would think that at the very least, recreation programs would be publicized.
ReplyDeleteAdult programs are non-existent. We have enough seniors in Plainfield who would be glad to donate $10 to go to AC.
This is terrific commentary Bernice. I agree with the approach.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent and resident, I am very interested in how our community is served. Especially with the violence that has happened in the past months there is a need for things for our kids to do.
Currently, there are many activities/programs that serve our young people, however they are not taken advantage of to the extent that they could be. Therein lies the dilemma - how do we get more participation in our activities.
An inventory is a terrific idea...
When the Recreation Advisory Committee came about in April of last year, we had 4 main objectives...
- Determine a Baseline understanding of how Recreation operates and serves folks in Plainfield.
- Create a one central place where residents and prospective residents can get information about any recreation activity - sponsored by the city or non profits.
- Present to local businesses opportunities where they can sponsor. Partner with businesses to place signage and help advertise recreation activities.
- Review and walk facilities and identify issues and areas of concern related to Safety, Quality of Life, and Access.
We've had various levels of success in our activities.
While we are waiting to see what happens with the commission/committee - here's what I would do.
1. Call for a Recreation Summit - inviting anyone who is interested in serving the community and discuss ideas, issues and opportunities. Identify and confirm key objectives/needs of both our youth and seniors which will help create a 5 year plan for recreation.
2. Reach out to those organizations who serve 75 residents or more - programs like basketball (Recreation) or Football (non profit) - identify how we can better support and partner with them to serve our residents. Let's not re-invent the wheel, where something is working, let's enhance it to make it better!
3. Identify grants/support outside of the city so our programs can be "blue ribbon" programs.
4. We have Spring Sports and activities coming up -Baseball and Soccer to name a few - we need to quickly ensure that these activiites are available and accessable for our residents.
5. Ensure our seniors are served. In the data that was presented November 22, only 13 adults were served in 2010. I assume that doesn't include senior activities, but we should do a review of those activities/programs and see where we can help.
I would think it's about accountability. We should have a 5 year plan. City programs and non profits should partner to serve our residents. No one has all of the answers – in order for us to move forward, we have to listen to each other because everyone has ideas. Let's work together to create a partnership to serve our youth, seniors and families of Plainfield.
In todays economic environment, the more input you have from the community could be a good thing.
Nice post Bernice. I hope even if the Mayor exercises her veto of the council approved commission that your idea of a recreation inventory will be considered. I would think the Mayor would support the idea of an recreation inventory irregardless of her position on the recreation commission.
ReplyDeleteBernice,Thank you for expounding on teh Recreation subject and Dwayne Wilkins for his long commentary. The present Recreation Division does not seem to have an understanding or concept of community recreational needs. We must hope that the Commission will be broad minded enough to involve and coordinate all community resources so that all ages and genders are served best using our limited financial resources and wealth of citizen volunteers, as well as our stockpile of private and non profit facilities and programs..
ReplyDeleteWhen we talk about "recreation" and/or activities for young (and older) people, please let's not forget our Public Library! Youth especially need opportunities to stretch their minds and their knowledge beyond their own immediate environment. I'm certainly not opposed to sports, play, etc., but our young people need more exposure to the world outside of Plainfield.
ReplyDeleteAll great comments. And to DG, what better place to have some of those events than the library. They not only have space inside to host events, but have the park right outside its doors. And it can be reached by foot or bus for those with out cars.
ReplyDeleteI say Dave Wynn OUT!
ReplyDeleteDwayne Wilkins IN!!!
I have watched Dwayne coach, manage recreational teams and interact with our youth and their parents, while Dave Wynn collects a six digit salary holding a nine iron on the golf course.
Jeff, glad you agree with me--and of course I agree with you. Our public library is a gem and could be used for all kinds of community activities and events. Of course it would take money to keep it open past its normal closing time, and to set up and clean up--but it would be well worth it. Our city should be doing more to support OUR PLAINFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY!
ReplyDelete