Mayor Frank Caramagna,

We are requesting that the Elmwood Park Recreation Center change it’s hours to be open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 7 days a week. The Recreation Center for years and years was always a place for the residents of the town to hang out and play games and use the gymnasium and weight room. Recently the game room no longer has the allure of a game room and does not attract the youth of the town whereas in the past there were arcade games, air hockey and pool table that kids could use for a nominal fee to help offset Recreation Center costs. By making these changes, you would re-establish a safe environment for the residents, especially the youth of this town, and give them an outlet for positive development and creativity, as well as social diversity. In addition, it is also being requested that the After-School Program be removed from the Recreation Center and moved to one of the 4 town school buildings and not hamper public use of the building. The Recreation Center should not be used as a glorified daycare facility for profit. There is not one sufficient reason why the town’s Recreation Center, which is operated by town employees and whose salaries are paid for by resident taxpayers, be closed to the residents from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. These hours are prime for working class residents to work out or shoot around in the gym. I feel that with these are beneficial changes to continue moving the town in the right direction.