Quote:
Originally Posted by DC83
Here's a crazy idea, GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO DO!!!
Instead of subsidizing 'development' companies, try using some of that money to build a skate park, or basketball courts, or a rec ctr of some sort. Give teenagers something to do rather than complain that all they do is "hang out".
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This has to be the most peculiar objections in Canada/US civic planning. Like there is something wrong with socializing and hanging out? This is what social animals do. Esp the age groups that are figuring out what they like/dislike in people. European cities actually build hang-out places, called Piazzas, public squares, etc. Young people often find their future partner/spouse/friends in these hang-outs and older people visit them after dinner to talk to and meet their friends and family. These hang-outs are the cores of neighbourhoods.
I can see why the powers that be object to these 'hang-outs' because they are often where grass-roots politics, free-thinking, arts, public speaking take place. In fact, Democracy was born from one of these hang-outs/public squares in Athens.
It is the most bizarre thing to NOT want these public hang-outs. No wonder kids are fat and bored.