DISQUS

Local guy · 1 year ago

Concerning the conditions of playing fields in the area - my observation is that most ADs have their hands tied by local governments whose DPWs and parks crews are not run by "sports people". To know what actually makes for first-class conditions on a ballfield, you would first have to be a former athlete or coach with plenty of experience actually on a field. My experience is that this is not the case. ADs and local youth baseball coaches are hindered in their effforts as well by labor unions who won't allow the organizations that use the fields to work on them on their own, stating that this type of activity "takes the work away from them". Everyone knows that most DPWs are short-handed in budget-conscious cities and towns all over the state, but it would be nice if they accepted the help of well-meaning individuals who just want the best conditions possible for their athletes. A rake, a broom, a John Deere tractor with a section of small fence behind it, a lawn mower, a line marker, and hour of time, and you've got a much better field to play on. The time may have come for schools to push for private contractors such as landscapers and odd-jobs people to work on their fields, through the proper bidding process, of course. It is a shame when you have to watch a facility like South Lawrence East School's fields deteriorate in such a short period of time, and feel helpless to do anything about it. There are plenty of people who have great ideas, have initiative, and have the ability to rally others to a cause, but it's not possible within the constraints of local government. What has happened with Lawrence High's new fields is a shame. Everyone knew that spring-time means baseball and softball, but somehow the work needed and the paperwork that goes along with it, could not be completed in time for the student athletes at LHS to use their on-campus facility. Also, the new stadium in Lawrence is going on it's 3rd season of use, and the iron fencing around the facility is still not complete. Not sure why.

And to close, someone please tell me why the average citizen cannot use the stadium's track to jog on, just as our fathers and grandfathers did so many years ago at the old stadium. It is a more serene and safe place to jog, for sure, than the streets of Lawrence. With a security firm onsite at LHS, one would think it would be no effort at all to unlock the gate at dawn and lock it back up at dusk. You agree?

Hector Longo · 1 year ago

Bravo local guy.
Bravo.
Can't disagree with any of your points. I'd love to see the detention students at LHS, instead of sitting and wasting time, cleaning up around the new school, maybe picking up the fields, doing stuff for pride. Why does the new LHS have to look like the old LHS with trash strewn everywhere outside.
Get a rake, a broom, a trash bag and some student muscle. Now, you're talking pride.
HL