Outside study not needed

To the editor:

The city of Oberlin is forging ahead with a recreation study while other major players wait for the economy to improve.

The original proposal for a recreation study involved the Oberlin schools but was amended when the school board bowed out.

This turn of events seems to be a sign that recreation may not be just about "more is better." Rising energy and transportation costs force communities to develop more sustainable approaches that can deliver services with less cost. Families and individuals are looking closer to home for economical opportunities to play.

As parents of four children in the Oberlin schools, we know how important recreation is for all kids. The benefits include not just healthy bodies but success in other aspects of their life at school and home.

We can't expect our schools to assume the task of nurturing healthy children without community support and resources. The city's recreation planning effort is an opportunity to identify and coordinate those resources.

Limited resources will require thoughtful planning to ensure that recreation programs are inclusive and foster healthy attitudes. Smaller places like Oberlin should see this as a challenge to develop sustainable recreation programs that promote healthy lifestyles and good stewardship of existing resources.

Oberlin is a compact community connected by natural and built pathways that promote walking and biking activities. Our town contains many open spaces and existing facilities that could be utilized and improved for an array of activities to suit different recreational goals of its citizens.

We already have paid staff and many citizen volunteers who have dedicated time and expertise to run after school programs during the year and summer. These recreational programs are portals into a richer community life where kids are asked to stretch their minds and bodies.

We can do more with less when we utilize our resources better. It takes a whole village to run a recreation program. Each of us can participate in the ways we are able.

We all can talk with our neighbors and help to identify what can be done to improve the quality of our programs and facilities. We can attend public meetings to consider new ideas and find out what is working in this and other communities.

Our kids will also learn form this effort that their community supports and challenges them to grow into healthy, responsible persons.

Peter Crowley

Oberlin