Re 'Rec Centers And The Beach's Fitness, editorial, June 26: Recently, some letters questioned whether Virginia Beach should provide recreation centers. And the editorial asked 'whether it makes sense for the city to continue competing with private health clubs.' We don't compete. We provide an essential service, one not provided by any private facility. For one thing, not everyone can afford a private gym. But nearly everyone can afford a rec center membership. At $66 a year for adults $27 for teens and children it's a bargain. On average, private facilities charge at least $500 a year. And the rec centers were designed to focus on families, especially the youth of our community. It's a fact that children who are involved in recreation programs are not getting in trouble on the streets. That's one reason Virginia Beach has such a low crime rate. We provide for our youngest residents. Seniors, too, use rec centers at a phenomenal rate. It is our fastest-growing demographic. Many come for rehabilitation, others for general fitness. Some come just because that's where their friends are. Recreation centers give our neighborhoods a sense of community, people a place to meet. And they bring jobs. Ask any business owner. New businesses move to cities with a high quality of life. Finally, recreation centers help us fight the No. 1 health problem in America: obesity. How do we know citizens want rec centers? We asked. Voters approved the Great Neck, Bayside and Princess Anne rec centers, and expansion of the Bow Creek center, in a 1987 referendum. Today, we have more than 40,000 members.