Providing youth shelters and simple
recreational facilities are proven to reduce vandalism,
crime and fear of crime within the community. Youth
congregating on street corners, bus shelters, or park
benches are often considered a nuisance, and seen as
threatening and intimidating. This affects everybodys
quality of life and causes friction between youths and
adults. Many adults assume that teenagers need youth
clubs and other expensive activities, but young people
often want nothing more than a safe place to meet with
friends or a simple goalpost or basketball net to provide
a focal point for their activities.
With a lack of facilities, teenagers
often 'hang around' outside shops, near community buildings,
play football in car parks and around houses. Many local
councils provide outdoor play equipment for children
under 12 years of age, but little or no facilities for
teens. This will often result in
teenagers using and sometimes taking over the play areas,
often causing damage to equipment which costs money
to repair. By addressing the often very modest needs
of young people, communities create a better environment
for everyone and greatly reduce the problems associated
with youth street culture.
Providing basic teenage sports and
recreational facilities gives young people a safe place
to meet friends. |