Freeport is in desperate need of playing fields. We have only three full-size fields for all of the recreational, club and school teams in the fall and spring. The surrounding towns have, at the least, seven fields available for a similar number of teams. Often in Freeport up to four teams are simultaneously running practice on one field, and there are varsity programs that do not have a full field for practice.

A year ago the field problem came to a head with a workshop meeting attended by the Town Council, School and Recreation committees, school superintendent, athletic director, town manager, rec director, school and club coaches, and residents. By the end of the meeting it was clear; everyone in the room agreed Freeport needs more playing fields.

A Field Committee formed at that meeting is proposing new fields be built, but there is no money available for the project. To make things worse, an outside group, Seacoast United Soccer Club, wants to purchase the Pownal Road Recreational Field property and build their own fields.

I am in favor of more fields for all sports in Freeport and in favor of us owning those fields. I see four possible solutions to the problem: a benefactor who donates money or land, a bond issue, a fundraising campaign or a combination of all the above.

If you have any concern for the youth of this town with regard to field sports, please get involved and make your voice heard. Our children deserve better.

Gordon Haldeman
Freeport

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