To the Editor:
On Monday, May 16, I attended the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) school committee meeting. I went to listen to the discussion about the proposed installation of artificial grass sports fields, and to experience the process, but mainly to support community members who want to keep natural grass on the sports fields.
Here are a few, of many, questions to MV@Play.
Why, if the current fields have not been maintained, are you using their current condition as the reason we need artificial grass? Why would you think that people will want to come here for tournaments, with the added time and expense involved? There are already great tournaments off-Island, centrally located at amazing sports complexes. Will this community project, apparently for and funded by the community, be constructed by the community, and why not include us from the start? What are Gale Associates’ ties to the community?
I, like many members of this community, applaud everything you are trying to accomplish. We all agree that we want what is best, in our minds, for our children.
I have watched my stepdaughter, friends, and teammates play from mini-kickers up to current-day MV United (U18), high school soccer, and ice hockey. I have been at every game and tournament I possibly could. So just like yourselves, and many others, I am a supportive parent of a high school athlete. The difference is that you want put down artificial grass and I don’t. That’s fine. We all have different beliefs.
I do, sincerely, hope your dreams become reality. I also hope you will be respectful of other community members’ views.
I personally will be looking into possible natural grass options and the funding required. I will, however, not be supporting your project in any way, financially or otherwise. My choice.
Also, after my experience at the meeting and in the days that followed — the blatant lies regarding the petitions and disrespect to members of the same community — there are a number of other community organizations and businesses I will not be supporting.
If you feel the need to discuss this, please seek me out. I will be at the remaining MV United U18 Girls games. I’m pretty easy to find. I’ll be at the opposing team’s end of the field. Baldy head, white beard, and beer belly. Please don’t engage me during the game; I’m there to watch, support, and protect my stepdaughter and friends playing soccer, a sport I am very passionate about, which should be played on grass — keep on the grass.
Dave Miller
West Tisbury
