Idea for old Wal-Mart

[bombermwc]

I've got a little idea for the old Wal-Mart, tell me what you guys think about it? How about we convert the building into some sort of youth oriented activities center? Put in all kinds of stuff for youngsters to do so they can occupy themselves after school and in the summers.

So I'm thinking put in some basketball courts with that rubber floor stuff like they have at the UMAC in Tulsa. It's freaking sweet! So they can do dodge ball, kickball, basketball,etc. I'm thinking like 4 of them in a big cube so you can have a big super floor. Even include bleachers so you can do some sweet indoor tournament stuff or something.

So then also put in things like ping pong, billiards, foosball, etc. all that fun arcade stuff. Then there could also be another side that's like tutors for homework and junk.

Laser tag, and other sorts of stuff could go in there too!

Put in some outdoor play stuff like jungle gyms and junk for the littler tikes.

Here's how I would like to see this done....make it a 1/4 or 1/2 cent sales tax that goes on forever like the library and zoo stuff to fund the place. Then make it free to residents of MWC but allow others in for a fee.

Really the possibilites for an all-inclusive entertainment mecca would be there. There is SOOO much that could be done!!!!

What do you think?

[mmonroe]

Not too sure about the "junk" like homework and jungle gyms, lol.

Sounds good, we always talked about something for the kiddos and the old walmart. But more the older kiddos, with a concert venue and basketball courts, but I like the idea.

[CuatrodeMayo]

Academy?

[bombermwc]

Its too big for Academy...but that would fit nicely in Albertsons. It's not a great location though.

[solitude]

Bomber, I don't know a lot about MWC, but I like the way you think. Your idea ia an example of the kind of progressive local action that can change a community. I would throw in a few "quiet rooms," make them available to tutors and that would be quite impressive.

[Lauri101]

I think that it's a wonderful idea bomberMWC!

With all of the kids I've been seeing on the street lately, just hanging out (and some getting into trouble), I've thought that there should be a non-religious-oriented place where teens can go, meet with friends and have something to do. Plus, some physical activity might get the game-boy fat off and make them healthier, not to mention make them tired enough to go to bed instead of raising hell at midnight at the street corners.**

Now, comes the hard part - not the funding so much as - who would staff it?

**goodgawd - I sound like some cranky old lady

[mmonroe]

I'd work it, part-time, i'm still working two jobs, about to add one and drop another.

I thought funding would be more of an issue, what do you think?

[andy157]

I'd work it, part-time, i'm still working two jobs, about to add one and drop another.

I thought funding would be more of an issue, what do you think?

You state that you would "work it". I'm sure that you would. And I'm also sure that you would do a fine job.
But, unless your willing to work it for free, then that will take funding. Therefore you are correct. Funding will be the issue.
No matter how you slice it, funding will be the major issue.Whether compensation for staffing has to be considered or not, the complex would have to be aquired, equipt, heated, cooled, and maintained with some form of funding source from somewhere. Thats what I think.

[bombermwc]

That's why I suggest an ongoing sales tax. We already help pay for things like the library system like this...and they do an excellent job and I don't ever hear them complaining about lack of funding. And shall I mention the zoo?? It's paid through taxes and it's world class!

I wouldn't want to see it as a bond or anything like that, but in stead as something that honestly doesn't end....it's permament as long as the facility is there. It wouldn't need a massive amount of money or anything. Seriously we just need to add up how many employees/counselors/tutors you would need and see what we come up with. Then supplement that by letting folks from other towns come in and use it for a price...but don't charge residents of MWC.

[Rifleman2C]

That's why I suggest an ongoing sales tax. We already help pay for things like the library system like this...and they do an excellent job and I don't ever hear them complaining about lack of funding. And shall I mention the zoo?? It's paid through taxes and it's world class!

I wouldn't want to see it as a bond or anything like that, but in stead as something that honestly doesn't end....it's permament as long as the facility is there. It wouldn't need a massive amount of money or anything. Seriously we just need to add up how many employees/counselors/tutors you would need and see what we come up with. Then supplement that by letting folks from other towns come in and use it for a price...but don't charge residents of MWC.

Well said!

Now, how do you handle identifying the folks that have already paid the tax and should be able to get in free? Is there an additional cost creating and maintaining ID cards or somesuch?

[FRISKY]

Nice idea, but it will never happen because the local government and police won't allow it. Groups of young people will never be allowed to gather* in one area expressly for the purpose of having fun.

*School activities excluded.

[andy157]

Nice idea, but it will never happen because the local government and police won't allow it. Groups of young people will never be allowed to gather* in one area expressly for the purpose of having fun.

*School activities excluded.

Never? What about the Matt Hoffman skateboard park? When those young people gather they have fun. I guess they do, they seem to anyway. The Police appear to be allowing it. Maybe thats because Local Government funded it. But you may be right.

[andy157]

Well said!

Now, how do you handle identifying the folks that have already paid the tax and should be able to get in free? Is there an additional cost creating and maintaining ID cards or somesuch?

Embeded Micro-Chips

[mmonroe]

I have many a volunteer hour on my resume, and not because I was in some sort of trouble. I do well for the money I make, and I always have free time, so i'd be willing to work.

As far as identification, just presenting an ID [school or state] and a piece of mail?

[PennyQuilts]

Probably need some zoning okays and the insurance would be sky high. When you are dealing with kids, you'd need background checks on volunteers and employees, perhaps security cameras. Add in cleaning companies, utilities, etc.

They've got a pretty nice boys and girls club in my area. The idea is that it is a place for kids to go after school. They provide places to do their homework and give a safe place to socialize. The kids seem to like it and a lot of parents are convinced it is heaven on earth.

The problem I have with it is that it is used, in large part, by parents who have kids in trouble. Not that those kiddos shouldn't have a place to stay - I'm not saying that, at all. What I am saying is that a lot of them are on probation, quite a few for serious infractions. When you get a lot congregating in one area, trouble spreads. A number of my kids have been banned from the place because of fighting in the parking lot, sneaking off to do drugs, have sex, etc. So you mix a lot of kids who are, essentially, predators with kids whose parents think it is just a fun, safe place for their child, I worry. And a lot of the parents looking for a fun, safe place for their child are already stretched too thin to properly supervise which is why they want the child there in the first place. Sort of a toxic recipe.

As long as there is proper supervision, it is great. But if you get a lot of kids, mix the genders, etc., you really, REALLY need close supervision. You also need to be sure that the volunteers and/or employees are also not predators. These types of areas attract predators like bacon on an anthill.

[ewoodard]

I like the idea myself. You could incorporate it into the city parks department for staffing and have the police provide a couple of officers for security like they do with the schools. This is a city owned and operated building so the insurance costs are only slightly increased to include the new area. They could issue I.D. cards similar to the library or use your city bill as proof of residence. As far as heating and cooling most of that is already in place, and would propably only need minor upgrades.

[bombermwc]

That's what I'm going for exactlly. Just like a library card, and seriously...keeping an ID databse up is extremely easy. Photo ID's are a great way to make it happen. Just bring some proof of residency and you're good to go. Plus it's right smack dab in the middle of MWC, so what better location? It's already got lots of parking, a traffic light to exit with, the building isn't old.

It would require supervision in the best sense of the word to keep it from becoming a place for people to pawn their kids off at. But I think it's entirely possible.

So who wants to go talk to Mr. Reed about this?

[Deafguy]

Another thing you guys could look into if this does indeed happen is maybe contacting the local Vo-tech. I know Mid-Del Vo-tech has a daycare worker program. They might be willing to supervise the volunteer staff and allow their students to get their feet wet at a place like this.

[mmonroe]

Mr Reed?

[Redskin 70]

Mr Reed?

Hes the guy who runs MW CIty. And dont fool your self other wise

[mmonroe]

New to my ears. Honestly. I know about the Reed Conference Center.. but running the city? New to me.

[Rifleman2C]

Hes the guy who runs MW CIty. And dont fool your self other wise

Well, maybe he has some significant pull... but running it?


Or am I fooling myself like so many others?

[bombermwc]

Eddie Reed folks....you know Mr. Mayor....been in office for quite some time. Son of the previous Mr. Mayor. The big cheeses....

[Drake]

Russell Smith is the mayor of MWC.

[bombermwc]

That may be, but with the length of time the Reed family was around, they have to be called Mr. Mayor....