Recently, there’s been a heated debate from various segments of public opinion regarding the goals and directions of the programs run under the auspices of the Amherst [NH] Recreation Commission (ARC).  I thought, therefore, I’d try to state the basic philosophy of the commission as I see it as its newly elected chairman.

First, however, it might do well to list some of the major programs for which the ARC is responsible.  These would include the administration of Baboosic Lake, youth baseball, youth softball, youth basketball, adult education, adult athletics, town tennis, and the co-sponsorship, along with the Conservation Commission, of the Amherst Outing Club.  Other programs, such as the annual ski swap, coordination of various summer crafts activities and sponsorship of periodic productions of the children’s workshop are also annual responsibilities of the Commission.

With respect to all programs, the ARC hopes to supply the Community with a continually improving product, one which will be reflective of, and responsive toward the needs and desires of its citizens.

ALL CHILDREN

In dealing with the youth athletic programs, which seem to be at the root of much of the recent controversy, it has been, and remains, the basic philosophy of the Amherst recreation Commission that these programs should be open (at a nominal cost) to all Amherst children within the prescribed age guidelines regardless of proficiency level.  Further, these programs should be both fun and recreational in nature, while providing a positive atmosphere for not only the athletic and physical, but also, and perhaps more important, the social development of each child.  Finally, these programs should strive to teach basic fundamental skills of each sport to its respective participants.

The ARC will continue to work to improve the quality of each of these programs while ensuring each child is given the maximum opportunity to both learn and participate either “on the field” or “on the court” in as equitable a manner as humanly possible.  Additionally, we will strive to provide a playing environment such that all children at

varying skill levels, will be able to play and develop his or her own individual abilities to their maximum potential.

At the same time, a chief concern of the entire Commission is that of providing for the safety of the children engaged in each program.  In that regard, there has been an ongoing effort to upgrade the quality and availability of necessary equipment as the various activities require.

PLAYING FIELDS

However, there is another aspect to this overall issue of safety, one which the ARC seems, regrettably, to have little ability to control … the physical conditions of the playing fields.  Candidly, most are in deplorable shape for the playing of such sports as baseball, softball, or soccer.  Regretfully, there appears to be a general apathy on the part of the town toward facing up to this most important issue and ensuring that key playing fields (i.e. Spaulding, Middle School and Lower Wilkins) are in decent shape for our children to play on.  Don’t forget, those funds appropriated last year at the town meeting were for Upper Wilkins only, with that work targeted for this coming fall.

I am not out to suggest the immediate appropriation of massive funds to completely rebuild these fields, a job, which in the long run, will ultimately have to take place.  Rather, I would urge the citizens of Amherst to make an annual commitment toward upgrading and regular maintenance of these fields where some 600 youngsters and 25-50 adults play ball each and every week, spring summer and fall.

In conclusion, I would like to go on record as standing 100 percent for the continuation and development of each of these athletic and other programs under the umbrella of the Recreation Commission, thus ensuring their continual accountability to the residents of Amherst, rather than replacing them, as some have suggested, with “privately” run programs.

To do this, however, the ARC will need the help and support of the community.  Amherst, like so many small New Hampshire towns, must, by necessity, rely on volunteer help to man its fire department and rescue squads, serve on its various town boards and committees, and both lead and instruct in the many youth programs provided, of which

Recreation Commission sponsored activities are but a few.

If you’d like to become involved in one or more of these programs, or if you have suggestions on how to improve them, why not plan to attend one of the Commission’s monthly meetings held on the first Monday of each month or contact either myself or Pete Houston, (the Town’s Recreation Director) or one of the other ARC members.

Remember, the quality of these programs will be no better than that of its generous volunteers.