The closing of the Bethune-Douglas Center is a commonly talked about topic throughout the community. Members of the community are well aware of the shooting that took place about 8-months ago on the outside basketball courts of The Center. This should not be the sole reason for closing this place in where kids, as well as young adults spend quality time at, doing what they enjoy.
The Center stands as a place in which the local basketball programs can go to in the case that there is no where else to go. It acts as a place for some younger kids to escape and play in games in which showcase the talents of our younger generation. These showcases also seem to bring the community together in the sense that some people who take on the responsibility of organizing these showcases try and build the hype surrounding these games.
The closing of The Center can be looked at as beneficial in the sense of protection as well as the saving of money for the upkeep of the place. But, think about how The Center acts as a place in which kids can spend their time playing basketball, or any other type of games they are interested in. Take that away, and kids won't have anything to do in the winter, thus increasing the possibility of a higher rate of petty crimes.
Keeping The Center open would be a huge bonus for our young and upcoming community.
It may be looked at as a place in which criminals seem to loiter around. But, it is actually a place in which the developing of our younger generations is taking place, rather than in the streets of Williamsport.
Sydney Dowling
Montoursville
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
