I'm writing in full support of using the $2 million appropriated by the state to jump-start the process of replacing all high school fields with turf as soon as possible. The myriad of reasons — from increased player safety to eliminating game cancellations, increasing practice space and saving money — make this decision a no-brainer.
I hope politics don't get in the way of doing what's best for our kids and our county as a whole. Regarding the lighting issue, that's for the Department of Recreation and Parks to deal with, as they want the fields used longer to justify their expense in funding the 10 other high school fields. They successfully dealt with this issue with Western Regional, Cedar Lane and Rockburn parks, and seem to have struck a deal that works for all. I'm sure they can use the same approach to reassure the affected communities.
We have in front of us the opportunity to significantly benefit every Howard County high school athlete, as well as the community at large, and to do it at no up-front cost and significant long-term savings to the Howard County Public School System.
Jeffrey Plotkin
River Hill