Submitted by Shlomo Goltz
I like to see that there is a website dedicated to what this city needs to improve on cultivating. I have lived here my whole life, and just finished my first year at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Let me tell you, that city, and the people in it know creativity, and how to make it accessible. Accessibility is the key here. We should take some hints from other cities that are better off creatively.
In a college town like that, comedy clubs, dance clubs, and even some sports bars are open to minors. Of course minors must get big giant X's written on both hands so that they cannot partake in the forbidden fruit. Most kids are respectful of the rules and the atmosphere is great, as teens are treated as adults and are let into venues that they would not have otherwise been aloud.
Creativity is cultivated by allowing people to experience and share creative activities. If teens can do nothing more then watch movies, go to the mall, go to each other's houses, etc. teens will get frustrated, and will feel stifled and stuck with nothing to do.
This is an easy change, and a good step towards opening up the community of Fort Wayne. For instance, on Getz road, there is Mick's Recroom. It is a pool hall with a bar attached. Minors are allowed in, but not in the bar area. Simple. I realize that the mentality of those in Fort Wayne are not as liberal as those in Ann Arbor, but I think my ideas are well founded and easy to implement.
Posted by Admin at May 17, 2004 12:38 PM