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September 15, 2005
Our Teens need a place to go...
Hello to Parents and Pre-teens/Teens alike. Being the father of a pre-teen myself, it concerns me that Teens don't have a local place to go for entertainment and recreation. Based on a couple of the comments seen here from both a Parent and a Teen, I feel that there is definetly a need.
Deborah writes:
"On the other hand I feel we need more places for our youth or teens can meet and eat in a clean enviroment we need something more here for them to do."
Danielle writes:
I agree with Deborah, we need more places for our teens. We had a great place where Beachhouse is with games and food, but it soon went out of business. We need a place where parents can trust teens to go out by themselves and know that where they are is a good place. A place that serves a smoothie here and there and pizza and games would be nice. Being a preteen myself, I would love to have a place where we could hang out and not worry about our parents worrying about us.
I have an idea in that I would like feedback on...
I have been thinking about opening my own business here in Portland for quite awhile. My idea would satisfy the needs of the 2 aformentioned bloggers and those who think like them, that our Teens need a safe, entertaining place to go in addition to providing service to the community. I asked Charlie for Author access to the blog so I could poll the community to determine if this would be a fruitful enterprise (I have a family to support after all).
I am currently looking for a location, preferably in the range of approx. 4000sqft that is somewhat centerally located with plenty of parking. Central air would be a requirement and I would like the ability to modify the interior (i.e. paint, build walls as needed) that would not be permanent construction.
I am working on developing a business plan to present to either a bank or investors (locally ideally), and would like to solicit you all, the readers of this blog, with the desire to expand the offerings to our Teens entertainment and safety, the chance to offer your general feedback on the need and desire for such a location.
I do not want to give away the details of my idea for obvious reasons, but would be happy to answer any general questions pertaining to it from Parents, Teens, Investors, etc. You can send me e-mail to thenefas@hotmail.com with questions or comments that you wouldn't otherwise like to air here.
Please, give feedback, I welcome all you are willing to provide.
Posted by Brian Bertsch at September 15, 2005 03:53 PM
Comments
A facility for youths is already mostly constructed and will offer creative, cutting edge opportunities for entertainment. It opens in April 2006 and has been under construction for months.
Posted by: Dale Hensarling at March 13, 2006 08:53 PM
I remember when I was a child. We had a skating rink here in town. And for those of you who have lived your whole life here you know where it was. It is sad to know that I have two choices when it comes to taking my child somewhere to have fun in town. The park is great for those beautiful days that want to be spent outdoors. But that generally applies to small children. The library is super for calming days when you want to relax. But there are only so many books that will interest your child. So, why not have a place for children of all ages to go? A family environment, for all ages, to have fun, spend time, and hang out. I think having a skating rink would be a great thing. After all, we had it at one time. I have great memories of that blue concrete floor. And I think our children should be able to make great memories as well. The more we have here to do, the more money that will be put back into our town, rather than Hendersonville, Rivergate, etc. Let's get this done.
Concerned Parent
Posted by: Angie at October 14, 2005 08:03 AM
I agree that Portland needs something for teens, pre-teens and families to do. I also agree with Tim Coker in that most teens (those who can drive) would rather go elsewhere...but to me, therein lies the true challenge...for Portland to come up w/something to entice our kids to stay here and have fun. We need more resturaunts, i.e. O'Charley's, Ruby Tuesday's, places like that, as well as bowling alleys, skating rinks (like Riverate Skate Center), etc. In other words, Portland needs to "grow" as proudly and progressively as the welcoming signs say...
Posted by: gw at September 27, 2005 11:14 AM
I agree that teens need a place to "Hang Out" but I also see a need for a place where a family can also go. Ex. Bowling Ally, Arcade, etc. It is sad that you have to spend your "entertainment dollar" elsewhere.
Posted by: Debra Pruden at September 17, 2005 01:15 PM
I agree that there needs to be more things for teens. There have been a few palces open up in the past, for whatever reason, didn't make it.
Back around 2000, there was a minuature golf place in the building the barn Company is in now across from CARES. it had a little diner in it and a pretty decent arcade. It didn't stay a year.
Just a little while after that, one fo the Portland Policemen opened an arcade with a dance floor. it didnt last long either, like 6 months. It seemed to haev everything; entertainment and supervision. But it failed too.
It's going to take a few things for a palce to succeed. First, some entrepreneur has to put the money up to do it. Second, once it opens, this community has to support it if you want it to stay around.
This is just a theory, but I don't think they do well, because when youth go out, they don't want to stay in Portland. I've heard many of them say as much, so on top of everything else, it may have to draw from other communities.
Posted by: Tim Coker at September 17, 2005 12:14 AM