Fairmont City Council this week tossed its approval and support behind a new program of organized and supervised summer recreational activities at city parks. The program is being developed through Community Education and Recreation, directed at students in grades 1-6.

While one might ask why the city is contributing funds ($5,500)?to the program, since CER is a taxpayer-funded entity, we nevertheless see value in offering youngsters something to do and a way to keep learning in the summer months.

One of the big contributing factors to this program is the knowledge that many children are in the city parks during summer months without a lot of adult supervision. The reason apparently is that their parents have to work and cannot afford or find daycare options.

According to the plan, children would learn things like the history of the local lakes; arts and crafts; ecology information; fishing activities; and preventing vandalism at the parks. The program itself may reduce the risk of vandalism.

We appreciate the thought and concern that went into putting this program together. Hopefully it can help improve the lives of local children and contribute to the overall quality of life in Fairmont.