How can I paraphrase: In the metropolis the recreational area was dilapidated.

5 answers

Use synonyms and place the subject before the verb.
What does that mean?
Which part of my suggestion don't you understand?
The whole thing. Sorry
Synonyms are words that mean the same or nearly the same as other words.

http://www.synonym.com/

The verb shows action. The subject tells who or what is doing the action.

I should said place the subject at the beginning of the sentence.