For many years, Recreational Centers have been a safe haven for children and teens who in Baltimore. Children are provided with educational stimuli as well as enjoyable activities that allow them to stay off the streets and out of trouble.
Throughout the past 3-4 years, over 20 rec centers (out of approximately 45 in the city) have been shut down or privatized. Meanwhile, the Police Department budget has tripled since 1991. More funding has been put into detention centers rather than rec centers in an attempt to control and "discipline" the youth.
This petition is to change these systems. The streets have become more and more dangerous and children are being hurt as a result. More children run the streets, terrorizing others because they no longer have anything productive to do. We as a community have to step up and promote change for the generations after us.
We need more rec centers to be opened and properly funded in order to get the youth back on track. They need substantial education and positive learning environments for when they are no longer in school. In order for us to accomplish this, we need everyone's help. Signing this petition will be a step forward in helping the community and our youth. It is no longer about sitting and waiting for change, we have to want it and make it!
