Mayor’s Column: What’s there for kids to do? Well, actually a lot

By Al Litman

Recently there have been some comments on social media sites that say we have nothing for our youth to do in Mesquite, and that, of course, had led to  drinking and drug abuse by our young ones.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

On Feb. 10, the director of our Athletic and Leisure Services  met with more than 700 of our youth to go over all the activities that are either here or being planned  for the year. 

This will be repeated again for our young people in March, to make sure everyone is informed of all we have to offer.  When I say we, I don’t mean the Mayor and City Council.  We do not plan youth activities as there are many organizations, the schools, and others that conduct these activities. 

It’s not what city government does.  I myself was very surprised at the number and quality of all  that is being offered to the children and teens of Mesquite. We never had so many activities when I was growing up.  I read another comment that the mom’s of Mesquite should go to city hall and voice their complaints that our youth have nothing to do here. 

Of course you can come to city hall and voice your concerns, but the city council has nothing to do with youth activities.  It’s not what city government does.  Another comment was, “Everything is being taken from the kids.” 

I assure you, nothing is being taken from the kids, or anyone else.  That’s not what city government does. Another comment was why can’t we have a skate park.  It’s on the way and approved.  It’s an expensive project, and we are waiting on the money and the hiring of a contractor. 

How about batting cages? We have them next to the recreation center.

So what do we have for the children and teens in Mesquite?  I’ll mention only a few, as space is limited. Youth Flag Football, Little League Baseball and Softball, T-Ball, Youth Dodge Ball League, Junior Golf, Virgin Valley Artists Association Pottery and Painting classes, Virgin Valley Theater summer plays and programs, Youth Pickle Ball, Family Nights at the Mesquite Recreation Center, Summer Youth Day Camp, Steam Center classes, Family Craft for Children 3-11, and dozens more programs and activities. 

I’ll stop with that, but assure you there are so many wonderful activities that no child could be bored!

On another note, I’ve been told we do not have a pediatrician here.  That is correct, but why tell me? You need to address all medical questions to Mesa View Hospital administration.  The city does not employ doctors, it’s not what we do. 

Finally, I read on social media that our parks have all the druggies hanging out, especially in the bathrooms.  If you see this, call the police. Our police are very proactive and will stop this, but we can’t  put police in all our parks.

By the way,  the city posted the legal request for construction bids for six additional pickle ball courts and permanent bathrooms for the complex.  We should see construction start by the end of summer, if not sooner.

Al Litman is mayor of the city of Mesquite.