With all of the talks lately on how to allocate billions of taxpayer dollars, isn’t it time that some of the local governmental agencies take some time to consider America’s youth? Specifically, the departments that deal with the under 21 population here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. One of the major concerns right now with our current economy is the lack of economic stimulation, thus furthering the contraction of the worlds, the nation’s and our local economy. Jobs must be created. So, let’s kill two birds with one stone. Let’s provide quality entertainment for Albuquerque’s youth while also providing good paying jobs for our city’s workforce. Locals are tired of hearing about major company’s lay-offs and Albuquerque’s youth has grown restless with not having anything to preoccupy their time; beyond the mundane of work and school. It’s not too long ago when I was under 21 and my friends and I would sit around bored out of our minds wondering what we could to do to amuse ourselves. Most of the time giving into the usual mind-numbing activities: video games, movie, going out to eat, bowling or going to a hookah lounge (which is not the best for one’s health).So let’s combat the youth’s longing to be entertained and the current economic downturn. To aid in minimizing the amount of “boredom” suffered by local under-agers, I have sought the suggestions and ideas of several of my peers who are under 21 living in Albuquerque. Here is what we came up with:
Updating and renovating of Cliff’s Amusement Park. Several of the people I spoke with expressed that the facility is out-of-date and is “child-like.” There was also the suggestion that Cliffs consider offering a discounted rate, several nights a week to encourage Albuquerque’s youth to utilize their facility. It was also suggested that an entirely new facility be erected.
Organize music festivals that promote local bands and bring well known artists, popular amongst teens, to perform here in Albuquerque. These festivals will include outdoor games like paintball, mud wrestling tournaments, somo wrestling arena and beach volleyball courts. There will be a wide selection of food ranging from Dion’s and other popular local vendors and areas designated for outdoor picnics. These events can be hosted at Albuquerque’s very own Journal Pavilion or at The Balloon Fiesta Park.
Several under-age peers also encouraged the continuation and an increase in Albuquerque’s Movies in the Park to take advantage of Albuquerque’s inviting weather and warm summer nights. It is a great opportunity to provide all age groups with the ability to spend quality time with friends and/or family while enjoying the outdoors.
A trampoline facility similar to the one located in Las Vegas, Nevada, where patrons can jump on hundreds of square feet of trampolines, and enjoy a small selection of food and beverages. On occasion, also enjoy a FREE PIZZA NIGHT! This facility will also include a section customized for smaller children 10 and under.
Lastly, and the most radical of the proposed ideas, is the development of a Super Community Center. This community center will incorporate indoor and outdoor activities in one convenient location. Activities would include outdoor go-karting, in-door bowling, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, paintball arena, rock climbing room, arcade, gym, basketball courts and movie theater. This facility will be accessible year round versus Cliff’s Amusement park, which is only available a few months a year.
The insatiable desire for teens to be entertained and the need for jobs can be achieved. By striving to create “fun” that encourages physical activity and the interaction with others in the same age group, can at least for a moment, solve the age old problem of “boredom.” The drive to meet the demand of Albuquerque’s youth will ultimately fuel all different forms of labor ranging from: construction to build the facilities, event planning, acquisition coordinating, food servers, maintenance (to maintain facilities and equipment), engineers (to handle the different types of technology that will be implemented in the new facilities) and alternative means of transportation, as many of the partakers will need a means to get to and from, for those that are not of age to drive.
I have an opinion on why the youth of Abq is subjected to constant boredom. There’s no youth culture here that’s unified enough to make anything work. That’s probably the case all over the US, and there’s probably no solution to it. I know I’ve never been bored in my life growing up here in Alb, and that’s because I’ve taken full advantage of what our outdoors have to offer during every season. Having fun doesn’t have to cost a thing. It’s outside waiting for the youth to experience it. I think if being outdoors was marketed to be “cool” then that might create a youth culture. I was lucky to be like that as a kid, because I thought this was one of the more fun places to grow up.
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