Point of interest

Ann Arbor should support proposed teen center

The Ann Arbor community is looking into the possibility of designing an innovative community facility geared towards teenagers. This facility would be an ideal place for teens to congregate during their free time. But in order for this facility to become a reality, organizers of the project are hoping that the city will contribute $20,000 in addition to the $50,000 they have previously accumulated through grants and fund-raising.

If the center becomes a reality, teens would be able to enjoy such attractions as music, big screen televisions, pool tables and study sessions. The goal is to provide teens with a healthy and supportive environment. So far, Ann Arbor teens have shown a great deal of interest in the project. Teens have gathered and organized much of the support for the center. Also, a recent survey of Ann Arbor teens confirmed the popular desire for the construction of the center. The initial request for funding from the city came last week, when several of the teens involved in organizing this project voiced their support at a city council meeting.

A number of Ann Arbor businesses and organizations back the student efforts, including the University and the YMCA. And the $50,000 already raised shows that the commitment of students, parents and local supporters is paying dividends. The support of the city itself would energize the organizers' efforts and lend the credibility of another impressive supporter to the cause - a move that would encourage even more community support. Furthermore, such a contribution would show that the city is striving to create a safe environment for children and young adults.

In addition to recreational attractions, those planning the teen center should look to establish other useful resources. The center should include an office to help students looking for work find part-time or full-time jobs. Students wishing to perform community service should be able to find the proper outlets through the center, and those approaching their collegiate years would be well served if the center offered advisors and hosted presentations from different colleges.

While many of the aforementioned functions are already a part of high schools, the center can pick up where schools leave off. High schools should remain the focus for providing students with advising, service projects and job placement. But most high schools close by late afternoon. Students need a place to go once the doors lock, and the center is the ideal site to provide resources similar to the schools.

In a day and age when parents must worry where their children are, the goal of building a recreational and educational facility for teens will bring comfort to concerned parents. Opening a place that caters to teen interests and provides activities would head off problems before they could start. And in addition to entertaining them, the center possesses a great deal of potential to improve students academically and make them more attractive to prospective employers.

The establishment of a teen center would enable young adults to positively explore the community around them, gain educational experiences and present an opportunity for them to form new friendships. Young adults in high school often feel overlooked by authority figures, and this is an opportunity to reach out that the city should not let go to waste.

05-26-98