Here in Muscatine there is so little for young people to do that it has become ridiculous. As a result, they turn to drugs, alcohol, and even violence. We've seen the evidence as students have been suspended for drugs in the high school, and all the drug busts done by our police force. This needs to change as swiftly as possible.
Right now, young people have very little entertainment. They can go to the Y occasionally - but that place is not for young people. Case in point, adults get special locker rooms which include better showers and much more. Young children sometimes even have to change in something of a closet - how ridiculous! Then we have the movie theater. However, there is usually only one good movie playing at a time, and seeing movies daily (even weekly or monthly) can get very expensive. The bowling alley, another possible recreation place, is often filled with smoke and they charge outrageous prices.
Our solution is to build a community youth video gaming center. This will be run by youth for youth, and will be totally focused on providing young people a place to spend their time.
