Chicago, Illinois, and Detroit, Michigan, are two examples of this current trend. Presently, America is in the midst of a crisis. Our society's progress in eradicating the problems of today's urban youth is much too slow. Although there are many youths succeeding and moving toward self-sufficient and productive lives, far too many are slipping through the cracks, their lives ruined by illiteracy, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy and unemployment. In order to pave the way for youth in America to achieve a successful future, American society must recognize that one proven way is through strong urban recreation programs.
Urban recreation is goal-oriented and purposive.
Its goals are focused toward meeting the needs of the community through growth-producing experiences that are specifically designed to improve the quality of life for its residents. In the urban core, this role and function has been traditionally delegated to public-sponsored urban recreation programs and services. The tax base created to financially support its mission is federal, state and local governments has unfortunately changed over time and resulted in redirected budget allocations and decreased revenue dollars. At the same time, urban recreation is being faced with an increasing demand by the general public for its programs and services. What appears to be occurring is the return of deplorable urban environmental conditions that will inevitably require social reform.