To the editor:

I find it amusing that after more than 14 years, this town still has public debates about the need for more town athletic fields.  

It’s amusing that a few people are so outspoken and reject field needs that support town youth athletes and leagues. And still, few yet very few stand up and speak on behalf of the children.   

Our youth athletes and parents just want a safe place to play the sport they love. Any commentary that fields are the leagues’ responsibility couldn’t be more selfish. The use of “I” in a public debate is selfish. You may not love sports, and you may not have kids, but chances are, you have a few neighbors and relatives who have families, and I bet you support them, maybe like, or even love them. 

I’d also expect you’d want them to be happy like you’d like to be happy.  

Because families typically have more than one child, it’s also likely at least one child loves a sport and just wants to play. So, though your voice matters, let’s support our youth, the townspeople who volunteer to run the leagues, and stop selfishly shutting down a population that grossly outnumbers you.   

And remember, this town has invested more money per capita in conservation land than any other. Those critics of athletics fields should focus their energy on building youth conservation programs rather than tearing down programs with a long history of prosperity in town. 

Speak up for the children.

Seth Fisher

Barrington