Cleveland needs a new type of entertainment district (Alliance, Green: crime, neighborhoods)

[Mr216]

Cleveland while on the rise, is also taking a step back at the same time. While jobs and new hip restaurants are being created for adults and tourist it seems Cleveland has forgotten about the most important people, the youth. We all hear that the youth are our future but yet they are neglected and rejected from amenities besides malls, recreational centers and festivals here and there. While the adults are able to go and enjoy themselves throughout the day the youth are left to find something to do, and in some cases that leads to negative activity and acts of violence. While it's not all youth it's enough to catch people's attention. This leads to the point of this thread which is to say Cleveland needs a district where kids can go places to bowl, play laser tag, paintball, roller skating or do any other youth oriented activity. If the youth had something to do besides hang out in the block things would change for the better. Look at the 50s-70s where there was an abundance of things to do the teen violence wasn't nearly as high. Cleveland needs a district where all those activities listed above are in one area instead of spread apart where kids have to do long bus rides to get to. Just like how on 4th street there is a cluster of restaurants there needs to be a cluster of youth oriented destinations it's for the better of our cities future.

[bjimmy24]

Sympathize with the sentiment, but a lot of the problems with teen violence can stem from gang involvement, in which case I'm not sure a paintball place would really stop that. I think a problem with teens is that they are not attracted to things specifically made for and marketed to them.

[Mr216]

Originally Posted by bjimmy24

Sympathize with the sentiment, but a lot of the problems with teen violence can stem from gang involvement, in which case I'm not sure a paintball place would really stop that. I think a problem with teens is that they are not attracted to things specifically made for and marketed to them.

Growing up in the rough neighborhoods in Cleveland I hear people say "there isn't things to do here" which is true for because youth because its geared more to 20 year olds and older. Which leads them to do outlandish things if they had more things to do it would take there minds (not all) off hanging on the block because they would be occupied with something else. It would also help because the new district could be built in an area that could use some rejuvenation which would help the cities image as well. All I'm saying is it couldn't hurt to build it.

[Larry Siegel]

Originally Posted by Mr216

Look at the 50s-70s where there was an abundance of things to do the teen violence wasn't nearly as high.

That was when I was growing up in Cleveland. What there was to do was (1) homework and (2) hanging out with other teenagers. A little bowling, some guitar lessons. Most kids were into sports; not me. We had our share of drugs, drinking, and sex.

What was there to do then that does not exist any more?

[LoveCleveland#1]

I will say that the city is creating activities that are attracting the youth in creative ways. As an example, the new Cleveland Skate park will be opening sometime in the spring, there are world class museums that are absolutely amazing! I remember back in the day, there used to be a game room in the Flats (Power House). With all the transformation, developments everywhere, and people living downtown, they are making Cleveland more family oriented. Give it time; it will not take too long, because all the parts are moving. There are events constantly going on for children and families. You have to go to the Cleveland Alliance Website - Downtown Cleveland Alliance...

Also, in terms of teen attivities, it's in motion... We still want to make sure it's safe, and not attract the undesirable teens who could potentially destroy lovely downtown... Again, we want to attrack youth in creative ways...

[WeSoHood]

Crime was higher 70s-mid 99s, so I'm not necessarily certain it's worse now. The media makes it appear to be worse. I think competent schools is more important than teen entertainment.

[Bimmer_Rich]

Not for kids, but for adults...

There's a new waterfront entertainment district being built in the Flats. I think it'll be cool, but I worry it'll probably be too Legacy Village/Crocker Park ish.

Cleveland Flats East Bank Project || Flats East Bank Cleveland

[ThatGuyFromOC]

I remember when I was younger Roller Skating/Blading was the thing to do. Everybody would head to Zelma George to have fun but eventually it died down for us due to a lot of random and unnecessary fights that would break out there.

Michael J. Zone was also a fun recreational spot until the the rowdier crowd took over the scene. Same things with Trent Park and Greenwood.