Los Banos California is known for having a LOT of Recreation choices - particularly for those who love the outdoors. The city park system is extensive and offers dozens of venue choices and numerous activities for individuals and families who want to spend a day at the park. Other outdoors activities are available at a whole host of places in or very near Los Banos. Hunting and fishing are big here and there is plenty of both within easy driving distance. Water sports like power boating, sail boarding, swimming, jet skiing, sailing and others are easily done at the two reservoirs which are within 5 miles of the city limits as is hiking, birdwatching and nature studies thanks to the wildlife refuges and other wonderful locations that are a stones throw from Los Banos.

What we lack in Los Banos however is what I am going to call "suburban recreation" that is places, usually businesses, that cater to folks who need a break from the great outdoors and don't mind spending a little cash to have some wholesome fun and entertainment. It is my personal opinion that because of the lack of competition that the first several companies to set up places for families and others to go when they are "bored" would do really well here in town. Los Banos Ca and the surrounding areas have grown enough in the last few years that I believe that such businesses would be welcomed and have enough of a potential customer base to turn a profit.

There is really no excuse for forcing people to go to Merced or San Jose to find recreation for their families when we could save a lot of gas and cater to the local population with conveniently close opportunities. In addition perhaps some of the 'boredom' that results in less than honorable activities and low level opportunistic crimes could be eliminated if the 'kids' had more places to hang out where they could have some good spirited fun.

So what am I talking about? I'm talking about places that folks can go and just PLAY really. I see possibilities in things like putt putt golf, video arcades, a bowling alley, a skating rink, or maybe even some water slides.

Putt-Putt (miniature) Golf
It is my opinion that a Putt-Putt Golf course would be something that would draw in quite a few residents. If it was done well and if it was easily seen from the highway it could certainly draw in the numerous travelers that we have coming through town every day. A well done miniature golf course could also incorporate some of the other entertainment possibilities on this list such as a video arcade.

Video Arcade
One of my fondest memories of being in junior high school was going to the local video arcade after school every few days. I plopped quarter after quarter into games such as Sub Search and some sort of quick draw shooting game while others paddled away at the pinball tables or made a run for it on Pac Man. Thankfully technology has moved up a bit and more exciting games are now available for those quarters. It is my belief that a high-class video arcade where rules of conduct are strictly enforced would be a real bonus to the teenage set in Los Banos. It would give them a place to go and hang out with their friends while having some fun in an air conditioned environment that is free of 'certain influences'. An ancillary possibility for a video arcade might be a section for those into slot car racing. Depending on whether or not the owners of such a place would keep the din of background music down I can see some of us young at heart adults joining in the fun. Anyone for Air Hockey?

Skating Rink
Speaking of hockey, perhaps a skating rink either ice or roller might be able to make a go of it it here in Los Banos. Not only is a skating rink yet another option for entertainment, but it also is a place that provides physical activity for our residents. Roller or Ice Hockey leagues are certainly possible as are lessons for those who do not know how to skate. This is yet another opportunity to increase employment in Los Banos.

Bowling Alley
When I grew up bowling was absolutely not an option for those who wanted to be 'cool'. No, cool was not part of the bowling picture. Bowling alleys were seen be me and my peers as a temporary sanctuary for singularly unattractive old men who wore stupid garishly colored bowling league shirts and wanted to get away from their obese wives for a few hours. It is not too surprising that so many bowling alleys closed their doors back then. Things seem to have turned around a bit however and bowling has had a resurgence and become cool again in the last few years. Bowling alleys are no longer seen as the refuge for old guys but instead as a place to hang out and meet friends, maybe even get something to eat, and on occasion even toss a ball down the lanes. I think Los Banos could benefit from a bowling alley. Again it might be a nice alternative for young and old alike.

Water Slides
Now this suggestion might be a bit before its time and locally we might not have the customer base to support it yet, but at some point I think that a water slide business would be a natural fit for this town. We are located in an area that has sweltering summers and any sort of water recreation is a great addition to Los Banos. Travelers might also take advantage of such a place and indeed it could become a destination for the other residents in Western Merced County. However a water slide park is going to be a BIG investment both in materials and in such things as liability insurance and day to day operating costs. But such a venue would also provide excellent fun recreation alternatives for our citizens and it would open up a number of employment positions. A water slide business may not be supportable now but maybe in a few years. Until then perhaps some of the other suggestions raised above could be considered by Los Banos entrepreneurs.

Lets Bring In Some Alternatives!

As parents we have heard the line "but there is NOTHING to DOooooo here" more than once - and in fact on some level we agree. While there actually IS a LOT to DO in Los Banos, much of it is outdoorsy and there are few businesses that cater to fairly inexpensive opportunities to just play and hang out a bit.

Because of the boost it would offer to the local economy as well as increasing employment opportunities and social benefits I believe that we should encourage the establishment of local alternatives for suburban recreation. While Los Banos has a great deal to offer in the way of outdoor parks and recreation we seem to have a real lack of wholesome indoor places to just go and hang out. There is no real shopping mall in town (I smell another WTTN article) and there are painfully few other indoor alternatives.

We think it is time to change that.

What do you think of the idea of adding more play places and suburban recreational businesses? Share your opinions with the Los Banos Community on the Los Banos Forums Bulletin Board!