New Weekend Nightime Program For Roosevelt Island Youth 16 -25 Years Old Starting September 9 At Sportspark - Basketball, Ping Pong, Exercise Equipment, Wii Games & More, Sign Ups Begin Today
Image of 2010 Pubic Safety/RIYP Basketball Game at Sportspark
Received the following announcement from Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Community Relations Specialist Erica Wilder:
Every Friday and Saturday for a 6 week trial period, beginning Friday, September 9, 2011, we will extend the hours of the Sportspark gymnasium in order to provide recreational activities for young adults between the ages of 16 and 25.A subsequent announcement from Ms Wilder added.
Mr. Romano Reid and Ms. Erin Feely of the RIRA Island Services subcommittee met with RIOC to discuss their concerns regarding the level of delinquency and late night disturbances caused by Roosevelt Island youth. The meeting was attended by RIOC board members Ms. Faye Christensen and Mr. Howard Polivy, RIOC executive staff and several directors. The group discussed the idea of providing R.I. youth with options after 8 PM. This is the time when, according to PSD Director Keith Guerra, youth are preoccupied with unconstructive activities. The Sportspark Young Adult Recreation Hours will be held every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM to 12 AM. All interested youth will be required to register and take a photo ID. They will then receive an ID card that will allow them access into the facility and participate in activities. Specifically, they will have free access to the basketball courts, the ping pong room, exercise equipment, Netflix, computers with internet access and the Wii gaming system. Public Safety officers will patrol the facility during the hours of operation.
At the conclusion of the 6 week trial period, our staff will assess participation levels and determine whether or not we will continue the program.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Mr. Romano Reid and Ms. Erin Feely are members of the Roosevelt Island Resident Association's (RIRA) Common Council.I inquired of Ms. Wilder:
Thank you for the information regarding this new program for Roosevelt Island young people at the Sportspark.Ms. Wilder replied:
As a follow up, can you report who or what group (RIOC?) is organizing and running this program, how is it being funded, what is the program budget and what criteria is being used to determine if this 6 week program is a success or not?
Also, is the Roosevelt Island Youth Program involved in this initiative? If not, why is that?
UPDATE 2:55 PM - Registration information from RIOC:To answer your questions:
1) Who or what group (RIOC?) is organizing and running this program?
The young adult recreation hours will be operated by RIOC. Community groups and residents are welcome to present outreach programs during the Sportspark Evening Adult Hours. Mr. Romano Reid and Ms. Erin Feely of the RIRA Common Council, has expressed interest in coordinating outreach efforts in conjunction with RIOC staff and PSD.
2) How is it being funded, what is the program budget?
Management has budgeted $7,000 as one-time cost for furniture and equipment that will also be used for general use at Sportspark. We have also budgeted 6 hours per week for (1) Sportspark staff attendant and (1) public safety officer.
3) What criteria is being used to determine if this 6 week program is a success or not?
After the (6) week trial period, RIOC management will evaluate the extended hours based on participation and address other issues that may arise if any. We will also be polling participants.
4) Also, is the Roosevelt Island Youth Program involved in this initiative? If not, why is that?
The Sportspark extended hours is geared toward the young adult population on R.I. between the ages of 16-25. The extended hours will be available to this specific age group as another recreational outlet. This program was not intended to compete with the R.I. Youth Center in any way.
If you should have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
This Friday, September 9th, will be the opening night of the new "Young Adult Hours" at the Sportspark Gymnasium, located at 250 Main Street, for young adults ages 16-25. Once registered, participants will have free access to the basketball courts, ping pong room, exercise equipment, Netflix, computers with internet access and the Wii gaming system. The Young Adult Hours will be held every Friday and Saturday from 9 PM- 12 AM. Sign-up begins TODAY! Please call Mike Smith, Manager of Parks and Recreation, at 212-832-4559 to schedule a time to sign-up and for more details.
Sincerely,
Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Advisories Group
2 comments :
Oh my. Public safety better look out for drug transactions going on during the games.
The Youth Center is not involved because when the kids turn 16, Charlie kicks them out. When people ask why they turn to gangs, he says "not my problem".
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