Comments on: Decatur Stadium Lacrosse Confusion?

By: cranky old timer

cranky old timer — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:03:16 +0000

Hit the wrong button there …
Basically, Decatur High needs to get their act together and develop a shared field AND performance arts schedule. This summer is approaching, we are looking at a dearth of good fields to play on, and it would seem to be appropriate that a shared schedule could be worked out that would not be expensive. The fees parents pay to participate in Decatur Rec teams could help defray costs of field usage. Perhaps a small fee would be tacked on to teams that would use the field. Heck, we’ve already paid pretty large fees in taxes to build that facility. LETS WORK TOGETHER PEOPLE!

By: cranky old timer

cranky old timer — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:58:29 +0000

I agree with Fifi. What we’re seeing here is a lack of communication–between DHS and the Rec teams, and I’ll go so far as suggest that we are also looking at local arts programs who would like to use the performing arts space, but are flummoxed by the high fees. The city really needs to look who their partners are in this–and their fee schedules should reflect reasonable rates that are in line with those partnerships.

We all have a responsibility to maintain our fields, but

By: fifi

fifi — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:37:22 +0000

I don’t know anything about the specifics of this particular weekend’s schedule but I have some problems with Mr Wilson’s comments. He says he has the opportunity to share these facilities – excuse me ? I’d say more like the responsibility to share.

These improvements were sold to taxpayers as a huge benefit to the whole community not just CSD. The bond issue passed more than 2 years ago. Why are we still in the process of developing a plan for facility use ? Why is the DHS athletic department still determining their needs for the facilities ? Wasn’t that assessment done already as part of the master planning to convince us all to vote for the building in the first place ?

If I’d realized we were spending all that taxpayer money on a stadium and a gym so that DHS could have winning basketball teams and a non losing football team, I’d have voted no on that bond referendum.

By: Decatur Parent

Decatur Parent — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:42:09 +0000

Even with Carter’s explanation – I still don’t see how it would be that difficult to coordinate with the Rec Center for a process for using DHS as rain site. The DHS events that Carter talks about here are on an event schedule, right? They should know when they are occurring and be able to publish the list so that the Rec can know if the field is utilized on a given weekend or not. The letter that was sent says pretty clearly that this kind of “urgent request” is not possible. So when the field is empty and the rec programs are rained out – everyone loses.

The community that supports and pays for that facility is the same community that uses the Rec for their kids. The two organizations should be able to show much more communication and cooperation with each other. The Rec certainly supported DHS for years in their facilities and worked to accommodate the DHS teams shouldn’t the schools do the same?

By: Dan Magee

Dan Magee — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:24:19 +0000

I would like to thank Carter Wilson, Gene Ponder, the high school coaches and other staff for working with my staff and I on a daily basis, especially during the last six months when it seemed to rain almost daily. Carter and the school staff are always accomodating, professional and supportive. Staff members Greg White and Stacy Green have personally worked with various school staff members for decades.

We have a good problem to have: Our youth athletics program is popular and ever growing. Youth lacrosse here in Decatur and metro Atlanta exploded a few years ago, has not leveled off, and is still growing at a rapid pace, while our city programs in youth soccer, basketball, and baseball have kept their traditional strong participation numbers, with youth softball on the upswing. I have personally worked very hard to improve the conditions of the turf at our athletic fields so they can better hold up to heavy usage and wet weather, but the monsoon like conditions over the past half a year have taxed the fields heavily.

Anyone who has comments, questions, suggestions, etc., can contact me anytime at 404-391-3244 cell, 678-553-6541 office, or Dan.Magee@decaturga.com, or Greg White, 678-553-6543 office, Greg.White@decaturga.com. We always welcome your feedback, and we always need more volunteer coaches!

By: Judd

Judd — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:59:30 +0000

In fact, the inquiry came from Rec center coaches — not trying to cause any kurfuffle, or even a bruhaha, for that matter. The inquiry was quite business-like and, though cc’ed to team parents, wasn’t part of a wider “community” discussion until now.

By: Go BullDogs!!!

Go BullDogs!!! — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:16:04 +0000

A preseason schedule with the REC in advance of any season’s sport is a must. Bottom line, it’s about the kids!!! Consider also that the REC serves as the farm team for the high school sports programs so DHS has a vested interest and I would think an inherent desire to encourage and look for ways to support the REC with field availability. With field space limited in the city, it is a big issue and an area of major contribution DHS can make to the youth of the city – taxes paid by all come to mind, coupled with proactive stewardship between two city entities – lets work it out there is a lot to be gained by all. Remember the kids!!

By: Golazo

Golazo — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:33:28 +0000

“I want to clarify that this conflict did not arise between the Decatur “Rec” and City Schools of Decatur. My understanding is that a parent of one of the children participating in the program contacted Carter Wilson directly and that city staff members have been in contact to educate and inform parents about the scheduling process. ”

As someone who has some experience with youth sports as a player, parent and coach, I’m shocked — simply SHOCKED* — that it was an overzealous parent that caused a kurfuffle.

(* If by “shocked” I can be understood to mean “not at all surprised.)