Dear Editor:
Research has shown that parks and recreation programs do indeed reduce crime, violence, and substance abuse.
We need to provide positive outlets and opportunities for people to channel their energies.
This is especially true for our young people during after school hours when their behavior needs to be monitored.
We need to reach these individuals before they enter the juvenile system.
We know what the problems are and now we have to work across the community to come up with solutions.
Parks and Recreation services make a profound difference in people’s lives and it is time we started taking a proactive approach.
Consider for a moment the concept of spending more money on building community centers (proactive), instead of spending that money to continually build more prisons (reactive).
It boggles my mind people don’t bat an eye to help fund a prison but will hesitate to build a community center.
The percentage of tax dollars spent on the Department of Correction in this state is daunting.
Consider this: It costs 100 times more to send a teen to jail than to provide preventative recreation programs.
The Federal Committee for Economic Development found that for every dollar invested in children, society saves $4.78 in costs for remedial education, welfare, and crime.
Incarcerate or recreate?
The economic impact of taking a proactive approach would be astronomical.
Is cutting Parks and Recreation programs the right approach?
If the answer is no, send your responses to the Township Board, make calls, send e-mails, send letters, or attend a Township Board meeting.
Let your voice be heard.
Mike Turk
Parks and Rec. director
Independence Township