Moms Talk: Do We Have Enough Recreational Facilities for Kids?

It's spring, and time to head outdoors again (if we ever really needed to come inside this winter), and find a place to hang out with the kids.

Or maybe they're old enough to head out the door and get some exercise with friends. So where do they go?

Despite controversy on Tuesday night over the right surface, the , to repair a closed hockey rink at Harry Dunham Park off Somerville Road.

One point of agreement for all of the Township Committee members, and is that it's time after almost two years to reopen the municipally-owned recreational facility. If all goes well, work should begin on the once-popular rink later this spring.

We have a municipal swimming pool and pools in private communities. But is the township pool priced out of reach for some residents, especially in this economy?

The township has multiple playgrounds, some at schools that were underwritten by parent support and others erected by private community associations.

Is that enough? Is what's out there really what appeals to local children and teens? How many use the township's tennis courts, some of which are also coming up for rehabilitation this year?

What about places to skateboard? Is that activity as popular as it was a few years ago? Or did a lot of kids give up, tired of being cited for a common "action" sport that was technically illegal almost everywhere?

And will we be able to adequately maintain our athletic fields in future years? Do we have enough?

The question takes on more urgency when we consider that every investment is being scrutinized for how it affects local taxes.

With tax dollars only likely to be tighter than ever in coming years, where should we invest our recreational dollars?

Of course, I should note here that we are lucky enough to have open space and greenery all around us. At one point, my younger son was as likely to head to the Dead River to wade around with friends on a hot day, as he was to go to a swimming pool.

Kids have a lot of interests! Do we provide a wide enough variety of places to go to enjoy recreational activities in our area?

And do you think we can afford to keep up what we have as we look ahead to future (possibly further belt-tightening) years?

Please let us know in the comments section below. And do you feel there are interests/age groups that still need to be served?