The Observation Deck

But back to the topic at hand....

I think we're in dire need of something like this, especially for the toddler set. These are the kids who can't quite participate in any organized youth sports or other regular activites yet, so as mentioned earlier, the YMCA has limited usefulness for them. It's pretty sad when I find myself taking my 1 1/2 year old to the Great Northern mall just so he can play on little play area in the middle of the mall. When the weather is nice, we go to Lakewood Park. But when it's not, there just aren't a lot of alternatives. The Science Center has a cool little play area, but I can't afford to pay for him to play every time I want to take him out.

I don't mind having my home strewn with toys and activities, but it's a tiny bungalow, and my little guy needs to see outside of these four walls sometimes. Are there any Gymborees around here? I've heard those are pretty good. Anyone ever been to one?

Okay, you're free to resume the beer vs. no beer conversation....

Are there any big spaces that aren't being used to their fullest potential in Lakewood? Some with parking?

Hinkley Lighting??

That's a little bigger than I was thinking...

I was thinking more along the lines of repurposing some buildings that have been used as places of worship.

David,

Before you get your huge warehouse and turn it into a toddler fun house - you might simply want to offer toddler youth classes or activities through the lakewood recreation department. You can get space at one of the gyms, or even the dance room in the high school. You could charge a fee per child, and hold weekly classes.....

Just an idea~Annie

Rocky River Rec Center runs a program called Squeeky Sneakers. They open up a gym with a bunch of gross motor toys, earth balls, a parachute, basketballs in a different area, mats and small climbing equipment. I don't know the official ages, but it's heavily attended by toddlers. I don't see why a program like that couldn't work in one of the school gyms on the weekend and over breaks.

lisa.shaffergill wrote:Rocky River Rec Center runs a program called Squeeky Sneakers. They open up a gym with a bunch of gross motor toys, earth balls, a parachute, basketballs in a different area, mats and small climbing equipment. I don't know the official ages, but it's heavily attended by toddlers. I don't see why a program like that couldn't work in one of the school gyms on the weekend and over breaks.

I just love this idea. let the kids run around, burn off energy, get some exercise. It shouldn't have to be structured to be valuable.

I agree. My 17 month-old just wants to be free to explore and experience different things he can climb on, etc. Even at Kindermusik, he can only last so long in the structured environment before he struggles to break free (or has a complete meltdown...). Classes and structured activities are good, but sometimes kids just need to run around and, well, be kids.

lisa-

What are earth balls?

Below are some photos I took earlier this year in Columbus, Indiana at 'The Commons'. As kids we would go there when visiting our grandparents. All the cousins would pack into a van and go down for a couple hours of fun. As a kid, there were infinite possibilities of games and activity....and none of it was structured at all. There was a tunnel, two-story firepole, slides, a spaceship to climb on, in, through...whatever you could dream up.
The photos were taken around noon on a schoolday, so activity was very light. When we would go over Easter or Thanksgiving break it was a crowded, exciting place. I imagine it was similar after school.




This is a sculpture called Chaos that had moving steel balls, rotating arms, and much, much more. Columbus is an interesting city in the middle of Indiana farm country with great, varied, world-class architecture and much public art. Check it out.

I think all ideas are welcome however, I think Lakewood really needs (or wants) a place for all ages. The Y is great, Lakewood Rec. is great however, neither is one stop shopping for a family of multiple needs. I have lived all over and Lakewood is really lacking in "family spots" What we do have is o.k....other places have phenomenal. What can we do to improve?We do have long, yucky winters. Anyone that has spent a winter here knows that. Well, we can't change the weather but we sure can change what is available to us. I would love to see more heated patios with outdoor coffee, ice skating at Lakewood Park again, indoor activities that accommodate a wide range of ages that do not include putting toddlers in a day care room. A lot of ideas are being put out here, what can we truly do now? I, for one, would love a place to go with my whole family...grandparents down to a 2 year old. Any ideas for this winter? Any thoughts on improving what is already available? I would love some input as I know David would and any other parent out there.

Rocky River's Rec Center is a very smart move on behalf of the city.

It's available just for residents of Rocky River. The pool, the rec center, etc. More jobs, keep it local, pay a small entry fee or membership and you're all set.

It still puzzles me why Lakewood can't wake up and do something to attract new businesses and home buyers.

There are four houses (maybe more) on sale on my street alone. Every street I go down I see nothing but for sale signs. I remember walking to school and counting 16 for sale signs. (i live about two streets away from the high school).

Re-Development isn't the enemy when it's done right.

When will Lakewood realize that empty storefronts and expensive gym's won't sell homes or attract more businesses. I don't get the "nothing is wrong" attitude. I'm more of a realist though.

sorry, had to vent.
I love Lakewood.

the way my previous post ties into the discussion is that (my opinion):

While all these idea's are great, and something like a rec center is needed, it probably won't happen.

I think that's why a lot of families are moving out. A lot of things, a lot of changes need to happen, but they probably won't.

I don't know why, I don't hold all the answers, I just know it's frustrating for everyone that wants the best for Lakewood and wants to see this city the way it was 9 years ago.

Do community Rec. centers pay for themselves or do taxpayers pay for them? Do they operate at a loss or a profit?

dl meckes wrote:Do community Rec. centers pay for themselves or do taxpayers pay for them? Do they operate at a loss or a profit?

I think it depends on how realisitic you want to be with the membership fees.
Brecksville charges $240 a year for a family, Brunswick raised theirs to $360. River's is b/t $300-$400 depending on family size.
Medina is over $450 now, I hear, so now your heading into "Y" territory (except tax dollars werent used to build the Y)