Sports Page Has Constructive Activities To Help Keep Youths Out Of Trouble

In response to your article “Question of crime” (Valley Voice, March 4), I would like to express my disappointment.

In the article, Alison Boggs leaves the reader with the impression that the Sports Page Lanes is somehow responsible for all of its patrons’ actions, and is a hot bed for youth gang activity.

Please accept my testimony to the contrary.

My wife, two children (ages 10 and 4) and myself have been patrons of the Sports Page for the four years we have lived in Spokane. During that four years our family as a whole has participated in numerous activities there. I say as a whole because the establishment caters to family oriented activities.

My wife and I have participated in a Saturday evening league at the Sports Page for the past two years, and have utilized the Sports Page day care center for our children while we are bowling. Never have I had any concern for my family while at the establishment.

It seems extremely narrow minded to assume that because the Sports Page provides activities for all age groups, i.e. youth, junior, parent/ child and adult bowling leagues, pool, cardroom, video arcade and restaurant, and draws a varied patronage, that it is somehow responsible for area crime.

Instead of blaming a location for the crime problem, why not blame the parent whose 17-year-old is prowling the streets after midnight, or the community that provides few youth activities.

As a result of your article the Sports Page has changed its policy on youth patronage in the evening.

Look out Spokane! These kids are no longer somewhere that constructive activities are available and supervised, they’re on the streets. Well it’s Sunday morning and my children, wife and I are on our way to the Sports Page for our child/parent league.

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