6 comments:

• Doug Chaney posted at 2:20 pm on Wed, Oct 17, 2012.

  Posts: 389

  As long as our dedicated "communication specialist" is now interim, temporarily permanent, there will continue to be needless cuts to ensure not only the youth of Lodi, but EVERYONE, is assured the use of the skate park as long as they abide by the rules. For someone with absolutely no experience at all, I assume, with parks and rec and orchestrating the high falutin' programs at Hutchins Square, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it also turned into a "whine" destination, like most other venues in Lodi, all designed for adults with the family and youth genre left out. It is obvious that the leaders of Lodi must all be pretty old duffers with their lack of concern for activities that are "whine" free for those that can enjoy socializing without having to get high.

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• Gail Irons posted at 1:40 pm on Wed, Oct 17, 2012.

  Posts: 8

  Clint's comments are a result of people who do not understand the sport of BMX riding or skateboarding. Mr. Baumbach does not understand that these kids are doing much more than riding bikes. The kids at the skate park actually are communicating with each other face to face which is rare in these days of cell phones and computers. Kids need time to be kids and not mini-adults with schedules to keep. The skate park has been closed since 8/28/12. They do attempt to keep the park clean, but the real issue was not the litter, it was the people that are substance abusers (drugs/alcohol) that are the real problem. Many of these kids have attended the Lodi Parks and Rec Commission meeting the past two months and are planning to attend tonights meeting as well. Do your kids volunteer?

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• barbara wells posted at 12:20 pm on Wed, Oct 17, 2012.

  Posts: 20

  I think Clint's comments are negative and unproductive. My daughter took the kids to the park yesterday and was disappointed to see it closed. There is one in elk grove she is taking them to. I like Karen's ideas. I hope she she can go to the meeting! Also Darrell has a good idea about volunteering although I think the park should remain free. I enjoy Darrell's comments.

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• Karen Gentry posted at 10:06 am on Wed, Oct 17, 2012.

  Posts: 1

  I hope the decision made is to keep the park open. Kids need a place to go in Lodi. I have raised two children here and there has always been a lack of things for them to do. (They were always involved in organized sports and activities) Kids need to be kids and be able to go do things in their neighborhoods.
  I have seen other skate parks that have employed young adults and have been successful. They take ownership and pride in giving them responsibility. Take a look at other parks in other cities. Do some research and see what is working for them. Think outside the box. (i.e.: create a competition, have an event there, show off their skills) We have an awesome park!
  [smile]

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• Clint irons posted at 8:28 am on Wed, Oct 17, 2012.

  Posts: 2

  Its too bad the Lodi News Sentinel doesnt charge a per comment fee. We would have no budget issues at all, just on Mr. Baumbach's level of participation. Unfortunately as long as people have the ignorant idea that riding a skateboard, bike or scooter doesnt take as much or more skill than catching a ball or making a basket, these are the comments that we will have to hear...

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• Darrell Baumbach posted at 7:17 am on Wed, Oct 17, 2012.

  Posts: 9403

  If Kids need activities, I suggest volunteering their time to help others in the community... as that would be a better use of their time. The existing skate board park should be closed as is or make it a pay as you use facility.

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