Thank you to Cody Bosek for ‘caring for the youth of this community’

From Barb Kramber,

Glenwood

Thank you Cody Bosek for the letter-to-the-editor – 12/5/2022 – “Still believes tennis should be available for ‘our children’.”

Thank you for the words, the time  and thought you put into the writing of this letter, for informing us – the people of the city of  Glenwood, but mostly for caring for the youth of this community.  I walk daily.  Years ago when I began walking I was always disheartened to see the streets and the yards void of youth outside playing, biking, interacting with other kids, and this was mostly early evening 6:30 – 8 p.m.!   Beautiful summer evenings and where were the kids?!  In 2008 – 2009 the city park courts were improved – allowing for tennis AND basketball.  Yeah!  In the past 14 years I could declare that from June to the middle of August I have never walked by, around or through the park  daily,  and not seen the tennis courts being used at some point in the day (mostly late afternoon to evening).  The basketball court seems to be most popular in the evening hours.  Ah the joy not just in seeing two kids playing tennis (or four), but they would be accompanied by friends!

The park, so improved in use and appearance (thank you city for the sidewalks,  the node and playground area!) had become a go-to for kids!

You know, as in “let’s go to the park and ……………”,  because “the kids” were hanging out there!  I smiled every time I walked by and witnessed this -ALL SUMMER!

Now I see pickleball players.  I tried pickle ball.  I like pickleball.  Pickle ball accommodates ‘the older’ crowd.   Yes, young people play too,  but as Cody stated, it’s tennis they play in school sports, not pickle ball.   The draw is gone.   We have two grandsons who are on the school’s tennis team.

Not only do they enjoy competitive matches during the summer months with each other, but their teen cousins enjoy also tagging along for some playing time.

They’re at the age of being able to  enjoy the freedom of movement in small town Glenwood;  however, when visiting grandma and grandpa now a walk to the park for some tennis time is off the table.  Sad.