PLAYGROUNDS AND OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

Local playgrounds have tennis courts, baseball fields, volleyball courts, and playground equipment available on a free use basis during daylight hours; lighting is also available on some local tennis courts and baseball fields. Playground equipment today is made with wood, metal, and plastic.

Biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding are all popular forms of individual entertainment. An indoor skate park called Cheap Skates is also available in nearby Hilltown Township. Trails for motocross and four-wheeling can be found on private property in the area. Safety equipment is suggested for use with all these types of equipment. For example, a Pennsylvania law requires that all bikers under 12 years of age use a helmet.

Today children play on plastic, wood or metal playground equipment at local parks and school playgrounds. Playgrounds at area schools and playgrounds changed significantly in the 1990's as equipment was replaced to meet new federal safety standards.		Skateboarding, rollerblading, bikes, and other activities on ramps, tubes, and jumps provide plenty of action for individuals with a sense of adventure. These activities can be entertainment or sports competition. They are part of a new type of competition called extreme games (x-games).

ACTIVITIES

Today some children have very busy schedules because of all the activities in which they are involved. Due to these activities, jobs for teenagers, helping with household chores, and caring for younger children, some students find it increasingly difficult to schedule their time. This can cause problems with getting homework done during the school year.

Since the 1800's instrumental instruction has been available locally. Community sports programs have been offered since the early 1900's for older teenagers and adults. Since the 1970's many more opportunities for children and teens have become available at a local level as the population of the region has grown. Vocal instruction, dance classes, gymnastics, horseback riding, weight lifting & fitness centers, bike and exercise trails, fencing instruction, martial arts instruction, boating, and skate centers are all accessible within our school district. Activities available in neighboring school districts include bowling, rock climbing, ice hockey, and dance clubs. If public transportation to these locations were available, more individuals might take advantage of these opportunities outside of the area.

ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT

Kids today grow up with technology and adapt to its changes relatively easily. New technology, especially computerization of our media has increased the types of entertainment available to young people. TV cable (Suburban) came to the area in the 1980's. Satellite dishes can receive TV signals from all over the globe. Laser disks, hand-held computer games, music CDs, and DVD machines all digitize the world and allow the individual to have access to all types of information.

Computers connected to the Internet allow individuals to correspond instantly with one another. The Internet connects the individual to the rest of the world. Valuable research can be conducted on the Internet and it can connect people to remote parts of the world. Caution should be exercised by all individuals using the Internet; safe Internet use guidelines should be followed as the Internet also connects children to the problems of the world.

LEISURE TIME

Though kids today have many activities, there is usually some time for leisure. Riding bike or a four wheeler might be fun for one group of kids. Other young people might just like to hang out a the local playground or food shop. "Catching some rays" (getting a sun tan), swimming at Menlo or Holiday House Pool, or reading a book or magazine may be other boys and girls ideas of relaxation.

Local ice cream or water ice establishments are popular spots to meet with friends and have a snack.		Menlo Pool on a typical summer afternoon.