The people of Bethel need an indoor recreation center so that the kids can have somewhere to go after a long day at school or work. I know Bethel is a small town, but a rec center could help with a lot of different things.

It would reduce stress in high school-aged kids, especially with school. Also, it would help families stay closer together by hosting family nights.

According to a report by the National Recreation and Park Association, adolescents who don’t participate in after-school activities are 27% more likely to be arrested.

A rec center could also give parents the option to leave their kids there while they are at work and there is no one else to watch them, that could be open even on weekends for parents who work weekends.

Alexis Cannon-Powell, Bryant Pond