The Martin County Park system is negligent in addressing the needs of many of our kids. The Parks Department is so invested in competing with the private sector that they forget those that can neither afford places like Sailfish Splash Park or to play in organized sports.

How many of us as kids just showed up at a neighborhood playground where we played in a pickup game with others? There were basketballs, bats, and balls we could borrow from the park attendant. In the summer, there were sprinklers to cool you off and pools to swim in. Cities and towns considered that a part of their responsibilities to provide free recreation.

Our poorer communities are the ones that need this type of old fashion recreation the most. Organized sports are beneficial to children. Yet, it should not be the prime recreation that is made available.

There are opportunities afforded to child development with unstructured play. Children learn how to organize and plan. They develop interpersonal skills and how to settle disputes among themselves. Without adults involved, the children must establish and accept what the rules are.

Unstructured does not mean unsupervised. Park employees are a necessary component to make sure children are not going to hurt themselves or their playmates. Our parks today are centered around outsourcing to sports leagues. The government does the maintenance. The league provides the recreation. In order to be allowed to play a game, the child and his parents must acquiesce to this very adult agreement between the government and the league.

While this is one way to “play ball,” it should not be the only way. Kids and their parents may not have the inclination to have such a disciplined approach to play. That is the important thing Martin County forgot…all kids deserve an opportunity to play the game as long as it is not destructive to themselves, another child, or the park.

The optimum word is play rather than sports. And while organized leagues serve a purpose, it should not preclude most children from participating in playing baseball, soccer, or football. Not all our children have the resources nor the inclination to be part of an organization. They should all be able to go to local parks and playgrounds and just be kids.

Not everything needs to be spectacular. Parks should be free and open to all but especially to those who can least afford to pay. Martin County sort of turned that around and became more elitist in its programs. We need smaller and more neighborhood playgrounds. Every kid within a CRA should be able to walk to and use the facilities free of charge.