Musings: Outdoor play is best for kids
Laser tag, a video water game, and other similar games can keep kids entertained inside when they could be playing outside. Credit: Howard Simmons
When we were kids, we wanted to be everything we saw on TV. I wanted to fly like Superman. Today, young children are engrossed in shoot-’em-up video games. So, guess what some might want to do?
Back in the day, to get the kids away from the television set, Dad signed us up for Little League and took us fishing regularly. Today, there are even more leagues — soccer, field hockey, and such. The problem is the lack of fields that are available year-round.
Recently, the Town of Hempstead broke ground on a multi-use turf complex in Point Lookout — a great idea! Something for all genders and all ages, providing tons of exercise. The Town of Babylon needs to follow suit.
Antiquated fields like Pape Memorial Park in West Babylon, Venetian Shores in Lindenhurst, and Tanner Park in Copiague all need renovation. New turf fields have a number of positives — no geese, no rainouts from saturated fields, and walking and playing surfaces for everyone.
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are real emotions that kids need to experience, not the highest score in a video game.
— Charley Frey, West Babylon
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