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Recreation Commission Meeting April 7, 2003 Mr. DiSalvo attended one of the Friday Night Skates. It was not as bad as he thought it would be, considering their reputation. He spoke with a lot of the kids, who seemed bored. The video games would help. Also, part of the problem is the staff and security do not reach out and talk to the kids. There appeared to be about 100-150 of them standing around with nothing to do. With a dollar a kid on a new video game, the Rec Center would realize extra money as well as provide entertainment for the kids. As far as crowd control, receipts would be given out, taken to the concession area and, hopefully, spend money on videos and food, with no entrance to the rink without the receipt. If they appear at the rink without the receipt, the kids must buy another one. The rule is simple: don't lose your receipt. At that point, the kids will get their hands stamped, and they will be free to go. The Commissioner stated that he knows the line for skate rental gets long. He would like to set up two more lines instead of one unstructured line for more order. Also, no one will be allowed in the back of the rink area towards the bleachers because the rear door can be opened, letting people in without paying. Kids who are following the rules are tired of the kids who aren't. Please see Mr. DiSalvo's Assessment of the Friday Night Skate Attended Exhibit B 3/21/03 attached hereto and made a part hereof as for his concise report. Mr. Limpert said that there has never been a chain of command laid out at the skates to keep them cohesive. Mr. DiSalvo concluded that supervision is the key in getting these occasions more orderly. It all comes down to better communication. At 6:30 p.m., get all supervisors and auxiliary staff together and go over procedures to be followed before the Skate begins at 7:45. Currently, the Friday Night Skates end in May and resumes in September. By September, everything should be fully implemented. Since there were kids at the Skate who wondered about boxing in the area, Mr. DiSalvo asked the Commission if anyone knew of a location in the North Olmsted area for this sport. Some kids were picking fights with older kids, and a gym would be in order. Mr. Limpert asked if some consulting should be done with the schools in this regard, meaning, where the kids could learn the art and discipline of boxing. Mr. Gareau suggested the City look into Cleveland Amateur Boxing, look on line, and see where there are programs for young kids. The Commissioner said that the Middle School kids know and respect Officer Carbone; perhaps he could get to them. Mr. DiSalvo said he asked the kids, "How do you feel when a ten-year-old swears at you?" The response was, "I want to kick his butt." Mr. DiSalvo pointed out that, like the ten year old showing the older kid no respect, the same principal applies to the older kid's disrespecting the Rec Center staff. He continued by saying that, based on this logic, there should be no question when they are kicked out of the Rec Center for profanity. The light turned on for the kid. Evidently, the kid likes to fight and is interested in boxing for boxing's sake. The Commissioner again said that the staff needs to communicate better with the kids for smooth operation. Mr. DiSalvo asked the Commission if the park between the swimming pool and the skate park is open or closed. General discussion concluded that it was open when the pool was open only. It was suggested, and the members optioned, that this park could be used as a doggie park and/or dog training area in the future. Page 4