As a parent of a high school football, basketball, and lacrosse player, I am baffled by the push back on creating an athletic field for the youth on the Vineyard. Why would we not all fully support the attempts of creating a safe, state-of-the-art plan? We have a few extremely dedicated community members that are donating their time, their expertise, and managing the entire project. Am I missing something here?

I understand the concern of turf fields. So instead of pushing forward with the original fill, the plan was changed to use organic fill (which increases the cost dramatically, but still no cost to us). The plan also includes grass fields, clubhouse and an athletic training room on the field.

In a time when the world is in such turmoil, why would we not all support a project that certainly will benefit our youth? Why would we not support people who are trying to do something wonderful for our Island community? Why would we not all say thank you?

Laura DeBettencourt
Oak Bluffs