By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
The Old Gym Recreation Center has been closed for the
summer which occurred a bit earlier than usual because of an
act of vandalism by a teen.
"We have young people go into the Old Gym and do
service projects to make it a nice place for kids, and then,
we have one kid who does something like this," said Chad
Brough, mayor.
Recently, youth from the community, had completed some
projects at the recreation facility. They had repaired
holes, painted, and done other projects to make the facility
more attractive.
On the heels of that event, one young person went
inside the Old Gym and broke windows, marred walls and did
other acts of vandalism.
The Nephi City Police Department did catch the teen
allegedly responsible for the acts of vandalism and he will
be facing a judge in juvenile court.
"I would like that young person to come and meet with
the council," said Brough. "I know that won't be possible,
we probably will not even know his name, but I would like to
tell him how I feel about what was done."
It does get hot inside the Old Gym in the summer and
so, as a result of the heat and the lack of means to cool
the building, the facility is usually closed for the
summer.
After winter sports season, basketball being the
primary one, indoor skating, and other activities planned
for the recreation center, the gym is routinely closed for
the summer.
This year, the closure was a bit early, but not
much.
"When the sun is up longer in the evening, it shines
on the windows upstairs and causes it to get hot," said
Randy McKnight, city administrator. "People who are using
the Old Gym climb up and open the windows and then forget
about them allowing bats and birds to get inside."
Those who still would like to have a game of
basketball at the recreation center can contact Neal Menlove
and get a key. They then are responsible for closing up
after themselves and making certain the building is
secure.
The key is then returned to Menlove.
Some residents of the community have complained that
lights are sometimes left on, which could be solved if a
timer were installed. Nevertheless, the lights are not the
expense to the city that acts of vandalism are.
"The lights burning an hour or so, until they are
noticed, is a minor expense compared with the cost vandals
and their acts are to the city," said Brough.
Pre-arranged events can still be held at the Old Gym,
said Brough. Those wanting to use the facility for such and
event should call city hall and make the needed
arrangements.
|
