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Recreation
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City of Roswell
P.O. Drawer 1838
Roswell, NM 88202-1838
(505) 624-6700
Fax: 624-6889 |
THE LEISURE INCIDENT
CHAPTER FOURTEEN - "The Family!"
July 15, 2025
By Kim Elliott, CLP
Recreation Director
City of Roswell
What has happened to the "Family"?
It used to be that the family would do all sorts of things together. The Family used to
eat together. The Family used to vacation together. The Family used to shop together. The
Family used to support each other. The Family used to be a close knit unit made up of the
immediate household of relatives. In other words, the Family is a "social unit
consisting of parents and their children" as Webster’s New World Dictionary
states.
The Leisure Incident is relative to the "Family", and can be seen as playing
an important role in the healthy development of the family unit.
The family that plays together, stays together. In 1990, Orthner and Mancini found
that, "Families that co-participate in leisure activities are more likely to report
higher levels of family satisfaction, family interaction and family stability."
It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out! Mom and Dad benefit. Johnny
and Suzie benefit. The neighbors benefit. Schools benefit. Churches benefit. Business and
industry benefit. The entire community benefits when families recreate together.
So...! Back to my original question. What has happened to the "Family"?
Times do change. Communities do change. Families change? I am not so sure. We may try
to change the definition of what a "Family" is, but, as a wise man once said,
"You can call a dog’s tail a leg, but, that does not mean the dog has five
legs."
The traditional meaning of the Family has been eroding since the early 1960’s when
all authority was questioned. Parents became permissive with their children, giving in to
what they wanted and desired. Ouryouth grow up in a time where instant gratification is
the norm. We have not taught our children the concept of patience as being a good
character trait to develop. We have developed an entire generation with their parents who
want, and, want it now!
There are other families. Recreational club members become one big happy family as
discovered by Aversa in a 1991 study. A study of yacht club members found that members of
recreational and sports clubs can experience the same positive benefits found in family
relationships. These can include decreased loneliness, isolation as well as increased self
esteem.
Gang families also find these same benefits even though we know that benefits achieved
through gang relationships do not benefit the community as other types of activities. In a
nutshell, the traditional family unit needs to be strengthened! When this happens, the
whole community will benefit.
Early in Roswell’s history (1897), according to Mr. A.B. Gwinn in "100 Years
of Dreams and Realities-A History of the Roswell Parks System", we find that Roswell
had problems with youth.
"It is interesting to note that with all the problems facing the newly
incorporated town of Roswell, the Board of Trustees started thinking parks in the early
years. About six years after formation of the city, the town trustees were concerned with
the manner in which the young people spent their leisure hours. Civic leaders and many
law-abiding citizens expressed their concern that the younger population should have
facilities in which to enjoy wholesome part-time activities."(pp.3)
What happened to those days in Roswell when families would gather and recreate together
as they did around "Hayne’s Dream" in the early 1900’s? Gwinn quotes
Earl Dixon from a 1982 issue of "Old Timers Review" where he describes some of
the activities scheduled in the area that is now Cahoon Park. Hayne’s Dream consisted
of a small swimming lake with bathhouse and slide and an area for bands to play. This area
along the North Spring River was where the community gathered to socialize and recreate.
"Families gathered and were seated on the many grassy spots around the pool and
band-stand to visit and enjoy the fine and simple pleasures of those days. The week-ends
were always looked forward to with anticipation and being the small town that Roswell was
then it seemed as though this was a large family affair where friendliness was in the air
and caused a spirit that was over the entire area of Hayne’s Dream."(pp. 32)
The community has changed since the early 1900’s. However, the need for strong
family units has not. In a recent survey of Roswell students titled "Student Life:
Attitudes and Behaviors Survey", this need is still present and pressing. Families
are still important!
Roswell no longer has a Hayne’s Dream for families. The concept is still needed.
The concept is on paper and is called Cielo Grande Recreation Area. This new park site and
recreational area along with scheduled programming will enhance the family and provide an
opportunity for families to interact together.
The Recreation and Park Departments want to try and promote an atmosphere of family
participation. By doing so, we know the Roswell community will benefit.
Parks and Recreation - The Benefits are Endless...TM
