It is with great concern that I send this letter in hopes that an ongoing safety issue will be favorably resolved. Juvenile delinquency is a problem that affects the living conditions of the community of Odessa.
It is not any news to anyone that juveniles engage in criminal behavior that results in them being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice. Yet, little to nothing is being done to prevent the ongoing issue.
Odessa only accounts for one Boys and Girls Club and a few other nonprofit organizations. With a population of 114,428 residents where 20.6% are youths between the ages of 5-17, a single recreational club is and will never be enough.
Youths should be granted equal opportunities to evolve in positive environments that would lead them onto the path of success. Many of our local children lack financial resources in conjunction with biological, social-cultural factors and external factors.
Notwithstanding, I plead to raise concerns to the members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. It is critical for them to act.
The mission of the Parks and Recreation is to create and maintain a system of parks and recreational facilities dedicated to providing quality services and in return improve the quality of life for the citizens of Odessa.
Let me clarify that my purpose is to bring awareness to my cause, and I am not diminishing the work of the advisory board. Despite the multiple public parks scattered through the city that are available to use, little to nothing is available to enrich our youth.
Local city officials must prioritize the prosperity of our future adults by providing safe, stable access to recreational facilities that are not short-staffed and overcrowded. The Youth is our hope of our future!
I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read my letter and highly value the opportunity to further discuss my concerns.
Yesenia Paez-Paz
Odessa
