Community Recreation Center (Cleveland, Parma, Elyria: gyms, centers, swimming pool)

[deskjockey]

Which Cleveland suburbs have a community recreation center? Do forumers think this is a good investment of taxpayer money or not?

[NewToCA]

I won't post about which have them, since I'm not current on Cleveland development. However, I think an extensive community recreation center is an outstanding investment of taxpayer money.

Having left Ohio for California a couple of years ago, I see the contrast since we have few out here. The few they do have tend to be pretty small, generally in the 5,000-15,000 foot range. I could write a book about how the lack of a center impacts a community, especially the kids.

[mikemeatball]

Solon has one.

We use it everyday.

Good investment, if the number of employee and their negative attitude won't be too much. If one small center have many managers and staffs, then sometimes you would think your money are going a little bit too south.

[Clevelander17]

I think it's a waste of money, not sure that the government should be in the business of providing recreation. Private rec centers are self-sustainable seem to get by on much less.

That said, what kind of rec center are you talking about? Many cities have public ice rinks, including Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, Euclid, Mentor, Garfield Heights, Parma, Rocky River, Elyria, and maybe one or two others that I've forgotten. A number of other cities have large comprehensive rec centers that include gyms, pools, and fitness areas. Most of these public rec centers are in the western suburbs, like Strongsville, Middleburg Heights, Berea, Westlake, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, and a few other places.

[mikemeatball]

Originally Posted by Clevelander17

I think it's a waste of money, not sure that the government should be in the business of providing recreation. Private rec centers are self-sustainable seem to get by on much less.

Sometimes the city should consider to privatize the city rec center. Some of the pool staffs are very meant and they don't mind being meant=the most ugly ladies I have ever met. I don't know why, but small white-majority city tend to have this problem.

I won't mind paying 2 times more money to have a better private service. We have to exercise everyday anyway.

[WeSoHood]

Westlake supposedly has a really nice rec center. Rocky River recently completely their indoor fitness center with an indoor pool as well.

[deskjockey]

Originally Posted by Clevelander17

I think it's a waste of money, not sure that the government should be in the business of providing recreation. Private rec centers are self-sustainable seem to get by on much less.

I agree with you. Recreation facilities like swimming pools, gyms should be for the private sector.

[deskjockey]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

I won't post about which have them, since I'm not current on Cleveland development. However, I think an extensive community recreation center is an outstanding investment of taxpayer money.

Having left Ohio for California a couple of years ago, I see the contrast since we have few out here. The few they do have tend to be pretty small, generally in the 5,000-15,000 foot range. I could write a book about how the lack of a center impacts a community, especially the kids.

One could think that indoor community recreation centers are less needed in California where the weather is better than in Ohio. For example, why would Southern Californians need indoor swimming pools or basketball courts?

[deskjockey]

Originally Posted by mikemeatball

Solon has one.

We use it everyday.

Good investment, if the number of employee and their negative attitude won't be too much. If one small center have many managers and staffs, then sometimes you would think your money are going a little bit too south.

Tell me about the post office staff in Solon!

[NewToCA]

Originally Posted by deskjockey

One could think that indoor community recreation centers are less needed in California where the weather is better than in Ohio. For example, why would Southern Californians need indoor swimming pools or basketball courts?

It is more than just a place to have physical activity, a well run community center can have multiple facets engaging folks at all stages of life.