Growing up in Rowan County is vastly different now than it was when I was a kid, 10 years ago.

When speaking to my younger cousins, I quickly realized that they did not have much to do locally. I asked them about some things they would like to do for the day, and they brought up activities such as skating or the mall.

Then, it dawned on me that I would have to drive an hour away in order to do those activities with them. Why is that?

I recall being younger and spending my weekends at the Salisbury mall with my friends, eating pizza, playing in the arcade and shopping at all of our favorite stores. We also went next door to the skating rink. That’s where we had almost all of my birthday parties.

While there still are other things to do in Salisbury, such as bowling or the movies, those things can become repetitive and expensive over time.

While inquiring with other young individuals, I also learned that a majority of local youth find themselves loitering in parking lots or even resulting to vandalism for fun.

I would like to propose a community youth outreach program that would provide activities that do not only involve religion or sports. Also we should fight for the evolution of Rowan County, inviting more business other than banking and food that will engage our youth.

— Keshun Bradley

Cleveland