Feb. 28, 2025 Editor, The News-Gazette: I read with great interest your recent (Feb. 12) editorial, “RARO Starts a Conversation.”
It grabbed my attention because our organization is keenly aware of the need for indoor recreational facilities. We’ve heard it from young adults looking for places to play basketball and other sports indoors and older members looking to walk, run, and exercise without exposing themselves to uneven surfaces and inclement weather – rain, sleet, snow, or blazing sun.
The incidence of chronic disease and mental illness is high in our area, particularly among persons of color. These two issues are among the highest priorities in the most recent Carillion Rockbridge Health Improvement Implementation Strategy. Many conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, depression and stress can be managed, in part, by regular exercise, and every little bit helps. In addition, group activities are important in individuals’ social lives and for building connections.
While we recognize that a specific request has not been made, and funding and plans would need to be put into place, the Rockbridge NAACP enthusiastically endorses RARO’s call for expanded recreational facilities in Rockbridge County.
THE REV. REGINARD A. EARLY President, Rockbridge NAACP
