There have been complaints regarding the behavior of some of the teens at the market in downtown Oswego.
In an effort to draw teens away from the market, Bruce Bailey, owner of the Red Planet Skate Park on the northern end of West First Street has begun having special events, including bands, for teens Thursday nights the same time as the market.
“We had more than 50 kids show up for the first week,” he said.
There were more than that the second week and he hopes even more will attend this week.
“We’ve been brainstorming with the kids to see what we can do for them, to give them something more than just hanging out on the streets to do,” said Sue Sweet. “We have had a lot of people show up; a couple other organizations are helping.”
The Third Ward councilor is supporting Bailey’s efforts to come up with positive things for the kids to do.
What they do this year will give them an idea of where to start next summer, she added.
Besides having a place to ride their bikes and skateboards and listen to music, the kids said they’d also like a place to play basketball. The YMCA Armory’s gym is closed for the summer, Sweet said, adding they’d also like somewhere to be able to play computer games.
“These kids are not ‘problem kids,'” Bailey said. “They’re just looking for something to do and that’s what we’re trying to do. They’re talking with us, trying to help. They want to make this work.”
Meanwhile, Gail Goebricher, the market manager, noted there was a noticeable decline in the number of youth roaming the market last week – ironic since it was “Youth Night.”
Around two dozen teens and younger kids hung out on the south side of City Hall.
The Oswego City-County Youth Bureau sponsored a performance by Joe Trionfero.
His entertaining, interactive show combined music and trivia with a positive message for people of all ages.
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