To the Editor:
I have been in Ocala/Marion County for 48 years and have seen places of entertainment disappear steadily.
I have a 10-year-old grandchild and it is difficult to find places to take her and her friends. We lost Wild Waters, Silver Springs Attraction is 75% gone, and Six Gun Territory disappeared before my child was born. If we want to take the grandkids out for entertainment, we need to go to Gainesville or south towards Orlando.
We need an open area where children can roller skate safely. We need playgrounds geared towards older children and places where families can play tennis, racquetball, and other sports. The only tennis courts that are open to the public are limited.
If we want our families to stay in the Marion County area, we need to target families with children between 10 and 15 years of age. Otherwise, once the children start driving, they are out of here.
Theresa Grimes
Belleview resident