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Steamboat Springs — I have a question: Would teens go to a community recreation center and want to spend their time there?

Nearly all the teens to whom I posed this question said that they would go if given the opportunity. Some popular requests included a place to play sports, a snack bar and a general area to finish homework.

"I might go," said Callie Swinsick, 16, a junior at Steamboat Springs High School. "It would be good to have somewhere to go other than the library. If I went there, I would probably go with my friends."

Since teenagers often are content to be in social situations, many teens like to hang out with friends during their free time.

"I think I would go, but as long as my friends went, as well," said Rashelle Stetman, 16, also a junior at the high school.

In attempting to coax opinions from many different students at the high school, the results remained constant. I have heard many complaints from teens throughout the years about the lack of a suitable place to spend time; therefore, I believe they would take pleasure in a teen recreation center.

"Sure, I would go," said Eva Grant, 15, a sophomore at the high school. "It sounds like an intriguing way to spend my time."

The trend toward interest in a teen center demonstrates that teens are keen to create a place of their own. It would not only improve the safety and security in teens' lives but would also provide a relaxing setting to unwind.

As Ray Kinsella said in "Field of Dreams": "If you build it, they will come."

Paula Ninger is a junior at Steamboat Springs High School. This is her fifth year writing for Teen Style.