He tells the story of his experience. Exact prices are included. Description enforces his message. What might he have done to strengthen the editorial? Research the exact amount of money allocated for parks and recreation.

I woke up one Saturday morning, ready to play some basketball with my buddies. I took a quick shower, slipping into my favorite Champion shorts and tank top while I was still a little wet.

I put in my contact lenses and threw on a hat, all the while thinking about running across the asphalt, dodging bodies left and right, and forcing the ball into the basket before hanging on the rim.

As soon as I went downstairs, I grabbed my ball. I headed toward the door but noticed that it was raining. I was heart-broken.

I called my friend and told him the bad news. He suggested that we go to the local recreation center to play.

We agreed that this would be a great way to spend the rainy day. Little did I know my wallet would go from bulging to emaciated before we broke for lunch.

It cost me $4.95 just to get downstairs to the courts. This price would have been greater had I not been a citizen of Fairfax County. Guests who live outside of the county must dish out $9.95.

Paying a price like that, to get into a county-run park, one would expect polished hardwood floors and leather balls that still smell new.

Instead, I found a concrete floor, covered with dust, and a cheap playground ball that had lost some of its air.

The basketball rims were almost falling off the backboards and the signs decorating the walls read, "No Dunking or Hanging on Rims."

Soon after I got playing, the park employees closed the courts for a prearranged volleyball practice.

"I paid five bucks to come down into the dungeon that you call a basketball court to play with balls that don't bounce and rims that fall down when they're touched, and you're kicking me out?!" I cried.

Where does the money go? I realize the economy is not the greatest, but how can a county-run park charge $5 to play basketball, $4 per hour to use a racquetball court, $1 for racquetball rackets, and fifty-two cents for a ball.

How can the snack bar charge $2.15 for a cheeseburger and still not afford to clean up its act?

The basketball court is not the only thing that needed attention either.

Swimmers have cut their feet on the jagged edges of the pool, pool balls have been known to disappear, and the locker room is out of paper towels.

One of the problems is that this park, in particular, has been in existence for sixteen years.

The recreation centers that have been built more recently receive more assistance.

These new buildings are also more attractive than the old.

On the other hand, the park offers safe fun for adults and kids alike. The lobby has three color televisions, video games such as Klax and Devastator, and plenty of room to relax.

There is no charge to spend time on the upper floor, which is very well maintained.

This year a referendum was passed to increase the number of county parks. How can Fairfax County afford new parks while the old ones are poorly maintained?

I suggest the county uses that money to improve the conditions of the current parks and decrease the admission price.

Physical education and fitness outside of the school system should be available to all. Places of mental fitness, such as libraries, remain free of cost.

My wallet remains the same weight before and after I check out a book.

The local government, by putting its allocated money toward diminishing the price of county fitness centers, could encourage the enjoyment of exercise and increase health consciousness with the community.