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Council discusses shifting older participants from Monday skate night to Thursdays to protect younger children
Summary
After a large turnout at Monday skating nights and concerns about older youths using inappropriate language around younger children, councilors and recreation staff discussed moving older participants to Thursday nights and noted a shortage of chaperones for expanded gaming-area access.
Councilors and recreation staff discussed youth programming and public-safety concerns tied to skating nights during the Feb. 10 meeting.
A speaker reported that a recent Monday skating night was among the busiest in some time and raised concerns about older participants using language inappropriate for younger children. The speaker proposed moving older kids and adults to Thursday nights so younger children can use Monday sessions with less exposure to adult language and behavior. The proposal included relying on volunteer coaches to work with youth teams and increasing chaperone coverage for gaming and pool areas.
Council members asked staff to check scheduling with program coordinator Brian to ensure Thursdays are available and noted chaperone availability as a limiting factor. Recreation staff confirmed the center is open for basketball on other nights and stressed that skating nights preclude other court activities. The discussion closed with agreement to review scheduling and staffing and with the recreation committee recessed.
No formal policy or ordinance change was proposed during the discussion; councilors requested staff follow up on scheduling availability and on whether additional chaperones can be recruited.
