Marion youth have summer options despite absence of waves
Sports reporter
For the first time in 50 years Marion residents are without a swimming pool.
The plan is for that to last only one summer once the new indoor pool is constructed in the spring of 2008.
Until then, children are without the one summer activity always available, and the combative force to the 100-degree days and the boredom of 24/7 TV.
However, children in Marion are not without options.
The city and surrounding cities offer classes, games, and much more for children during the nearly three-month break.
One of the kid-friendly places in Marion to go to beat the heat is Sher Bowl Lanes.
The brightly colored building located on Thorp Street is packed with arcade games, pop, snacks, and eight bowling lanes.
Co-owner Bill Sherbert doesn't have set hours, but he and his wife LaDonna are at the alley nearly seven days a week, and said he can usually accommodate someone if they would like to bowl.
The re-modeled building that has been owned by the Sherberts since July 2004, also has offered bowling where the normal lights are turned off and neon and strobe lights light the alley.
Another break from the heat can be found in a place that doesn't even have an official name yet, but has been popular with kids.
The talk of the town between anyone from five to 18 is the gaming store located inside TC's What Not Shop on Marion's Main Street.
Joe Reyes, who recently moved from El Paso, Texas, to Salina, opened the Marion store so kids would have something to do in the summer.
"There's not much for them to do here," Reyes said. "This is where they all get together because Mom and Dad don't want 10 kids in the house."
The store buys, sells, and trades sports cards, video games, and DVDs. It also has video game consoles where each player pays 50 cents to play, similar to an arcade.
Reyes also has Madden tournaments and Guitar Hero, a game where a digital guitar is hooked up to a PlayStation 2 and played by the gamer.
He also has had cookouts for the kids on the weekends.
He knows some parents don't want their kids playing video games all summer, but the reality is they will play at home if not at the shop.
"It's a place to cool off," he said.
Later in the summer Reyes will have a contest to find a name for the store.
He isn't sure what is going to happen when school starts, but for now, the store is open to anyone.
On the other side of the spectrum is Marion City Library, which always has provided children with activities in the summer, and is doing so again this year.
The summer reading program began Monday and will run through July 13.
Children can sign up anytime for the program.
This past Friday the library began showing movies to anyone interested in having a good time.
The movies begin at 2 p.m., but a night movie showing on Friday was popular, said librarian Janet Marler.
"Another could be added because of the good showing," she said.
Children under six will have to be accompanied by an adult, and popcorn and drinks will be provided. The last movie will be shown July 6.
Other activities at the library include a Flint Hills photo display, Monday through July 1, Harry Potter birthday celebration July 21, and story time from 10-10:30 a.m. on Fridays until July 13.
While most of the other activities are inside, outside activities are available as well.
Neighboring city pools allow for children to stay outside, but remain cool at the same time.
Although a drive is involved, Florence and Hillsboro both have pools that are open to the public and provide a chance for Marion youth to enjoy a swim while their new pool is being constructed.
The Marion bike trail also is open to the public.
The trail starts at the library and follows the former rail bed behind Flaming's, Marion Marble and Granite, crosses over Main Street by the transfer station until it ends and allows for a turnaround back toward town.
The trail still needs some improvements such as grading and installation of signs, but this is the safest time of year to ride, and allows a place for kids to ride instead of the public side walks.
Marion also offers traditional activities like playing in the skate park, Central Park, or on the various basketball courts.
No matter what there is to offer, children will find a way to be outside during the summer time, so keep an eye out for them as they enjoy their break from school.
