THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 3, 1996 TAG: 9605030491
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 126 lines
Yes, Chesapeake has one of the lowest crime rates in the area.
Yes, its School Board receives citations for its pristine financial record.
No, that doesn't mean much to teens like Heather Todd, who finds herself in a safe, stable, yet boring city.
``There's no place for anybody to go in Chesapeake,'' said Todd, a Great Bridge High School junior.
``At school, we have junior ring dance, senior prom, football and basketball games, but not much to do every day . . . We don't even have a public pool here.''
Todd isn't lonely and bored alone. In interviews and a roundtable discussion by The Virginian Pilot in light of the May 7 election, Chesapeake residents said they're concerned that the city has bulldozed too many baseball fields for new homes and development. Portable classrooms now sit in grassy fields once perfect for catch and picnics.
Teens look longingly at Virginia Beach's swim leagues and Norfolk's Boys & Girls Clubs.
Parents worry that young idle minds will become occupied with petty crime and sex, and wonder how schools can fill this recreational dearth, particularly for teens.
City officials say there are recreation outlets and kids are taking advantage of them. A 1990 Department of Parks and Recreation study showed that 40 percent of Chesapeake's 12-to-17-year-olds at that time were active in the department's programs. The national participation average is about 10 percent.
``And we feel those figures are pretty close to that today because we've increased enrollment and added programs,'' said Kenny Stuart, recreation supervisor for leisure programs with the Department of Parks and Recreation.
``And that doesn't include school activities, athletics through the schools, Boys and Girls Scouts, things like that.''
But city officials admit it's difficult keeping up with the city's multiplying population.
The city developed a recreation plan in 1991 which includes goals such as having one baseball diamond for every 6,000 citizens, a tennis court for every 2,000. But Judy Alexander, recreation superintendent for the Department of Parks and Recreation, isn't sure the city is on target.
``I can't answer that,'' Alexander said, citing budget restraints as an obstacle. Thus, citizens are looking at their centrally-located school buildings, many of which sit empty after 5 p.m., to open as community centers for kids. Traditionally, schools and recreation officials say, using schools for non-school activity prompts liability questions - who's responsible for safety after hours, how do you protect the open buildings from theft and vandalism?
But Alexander said schools and the parks and recreation department have worked around these issues and are making some schools into community centers.
A new $2.2 million ``gymatorium'' - combination gym, auditorium, with multi-purpose and game rooms - is being built onto Camelot Elementary School. When completed in the fall, the school will use the gym and auditorium for classes, programs and PTA meetings.
After hours, the wing will become a community center for kids and teens, offering programs after school, during the summer and holidays.
The agreement between the school system and the department is simple - the building is Parks-and-Recreation-owned but the school's responsibility during school hours. Parks and Rec assumes control at other times.
``We have a good working relationship with the schools,'' Alexander said.
``We do have an agreement that school facilities are first for the schools, second for parks and rec, third, any outside groups, and the same agreement on our side.
The school system likes the arrangement.
``We work hand-in-hand,'' said Tom Cupitt, spokesman for the school district. ``It's a benefit for the entire city.''
The Camelot addition is unique but the parntership between schools and Parks and Recreation has existed for years.
Parks and Recreation has two afternoon programs at Crestwood Intermediate and Southwestern Elementary Schools, both offering programs for 6-to-11-year-olds. Crestwood has an additional program for teens aged 12 to 15. Crestwood is usually bustling until 8 p.m.
Crestwood Middle and Southwestern will also be open, in addition to the city's six community centers, during the summer as sites for Parks and Recreation summer programs. The schools and their grounds are also used throughout the year for the Senior Olympics, karate and craft classes.
Alexander said the department sends out brochures three times a year but many residents are still unaware of the city's offerings.
``Like any large community, there are certain pocket areas where things occur,'' Alexander said. ``But we're concentrating on helping families get assistance and getting involved with spare time.''
The city says its trying to help teens manage their spare time by offering such outlets like the Chesapeake Teen Council which Parks and Recreation began in 1994.
The council is a forum where teens meet once a month and talk about issues relevant to them.
Eighteen to 22 teens meet and talk teen pregnancy, date rape and bettering communication with parents. The discussions have lead to community-service projects such as a videotape the council produced and released last year which dealt with teen drinking, relationships and talking to parents.
Chesapeake's Office of Youth Services works as a clearinghouse for parents and kids looking for things to do.
Even though the office has a list of volunteer possibilities and community programs, youth services coordinator Faye Wade said she knows keeping teenagers occupied and happy is a chore.
``I know as a parent, and as a professional, there is never enough, especially for that beyond-12-age,'' Wade said. ``Parents have to be more creative. It's a matter of exploring different possibilities. It's a challenge.''
Linda Quash knows.
The Chesapeake mother has put many a mile on her van to shuttle her kids to the Greenbrier YMCA for swimming and to Virginia Beach to take advantage of their lit tennis courts. Chesapeake has a few courts for night play, Quash said, but not enough.
``I know the city is trying to manage all of this growth,'' Quash said, ``but I definitely feel there is not enough for students with different interests to do.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
RICHARD L. DUNSTON/The Virginian-Pilot
A new $2.2 million ``gymatorium'' - combination gym, auditorium,
with multi-purpose and game rooms - is being built onto Camelot
Elementary School. Many Chesapeake residents say the city owes much
more to its young people, who are being left behind amid all the
development.
KEYWORDS: ELECTION CHESAPEAKE by CNB