With Summer approaching and the weather just getting hotter, families all across the country are already planning their vacation outings and looking for places for their kids to enjoy some Summer fun. Sadly, it seems that some states are struggling to provide families with places to do so, as some might no longer have the budget. This is the case of Vermont, which, according to some sources, doesn’t have a budget for recreational facilities. Some towns are already considering closing down certain places because there isn’t enough money to provide proper maintenance before the vacations start.
The information was posted on the Vermont subreddit, and the Vermont Public report notes that some cities and towns across the state are struggling to secure budgeted maintenance for recreational facilities.
More specifically, the article discusses the town of Bethel, which usually opens its pool for families during the Summer break. However, it seems that this year the pool won’t open to the public, as, over its 35 years of operation, there hasn’t been enough money to provide this facility with proper maintenance.
The article also mentions that replacing the pool would cost around $800,000 and would require a townwide vote, which will likely take a lot of time, planning, and funds, of course.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only place, as several other towns have struggled to find the money to provide families with better recreational facilities. Berlin, Brattleboro, and Waterbury are just some of the towns mentioned in the note, all of which are facing the same issues. Some cities, such as Montpelier, have even prioritized housing projects over recreational areas, according to the article.
In response to this news, people have expressed frustration, anger, and even concern, as many believe the government is focusing its funds on things that won’t really help citizens.
Vermont Residents Saddened Over the Lack of Recreational Facilities
Many Vermont Redditors took it to the post’s comments to voice their concern about the lack of recreational facilities, while others noted that this isn’t a statewide problem but one affecting the whole country.
“Our quality of life is diminishing.”
“Maybe it’s time to stop giving 60% of the town’s tax income to the police department.“
A few others mentioned factors that might have caused these issues.
“Vermont is suffering from a lack of creativity and new ideas as much as anything else.”
In the end, several citizens seem shocked and extremely saddened by this, and with Summer vacations upon us, families are starting to worry about where they’ll spend this break with their kids.
