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Construction recently began on the new skate park in Newton Township. If a similar park were built in the Back Mountain, it could give many area children something to do.

Vandals recently hit both Kenneth A. Young Memorial Park and Bicentennial Park in Dallas Borough. Benches were knocked over and used as skateboard ramps, restrooms were sprayed with paintballs and lights were smashed.

In response to the vandalism, borough council plans to install new park rules signs. The rules include the ban of pets, alcohol, tobacco and skateboarding and park hours of 9 a.m. to dusk.

The signs sound great, but they don’t address the underlying problem of why vandals targeted the parks – they don’t know what else to do.

Based on the fact that benches were converted to skateboard ramps, I presume the offenders were youths. I’m not trying to stereotype. It wasn’t long ago at all that I was a teenager, so I remember what it’s like. And that’s why I know these kids are just plain BORED.

It’s hard being 12 to 16 years old. This age group is old enough to want to hang out with their friends and do things on their own, but they are not yet able to drive. Sports and other activities can help keep them busy, but they will still want to socialize, and without their parents.

A rural area such as Dallas especially brings about challenges for things to do at a young age. Going to the mall, movies and shopping requires a ride from mom or dad. That’s why it’s not surprising to me that neighborhood children end up walking around the streets and in the woods.

My suggestion is to give this age group something to do locally on a regular basis. Maybe the library or borough can have a teen dance on their grounds. Or why not build a skateboard park and special teen area in the Back Mountain? Funding for such activities can be obtained through various grants, private businesses and parents in the community.

I would have loved for something to do when I was 13 and 14. Even though I played field hockey at school and was a candy striper at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, I wanted to go places with my friends. Basically, I was that annoying kid who sat behind you at the movies or ran past you in the Wyoming Valley Mall. However, I did enjoy school dances which were held about three times a year, and dances at the Catholic Youth Center.
 
Whoever desecrated the parks in Dallas was wrong and should be punished for it. I’m not condoning vandalism. But if the community works together and talks to this age group about their needs and wants, perhaps everyone could live a little bit happier.

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