I have read with great dismay the letters submitted by golfers criticizing Salt Lake City's recreation program and the golf fees used as its primary revenue source.
As a golfer, I fully support the city's recreation program. I have golfed in many locations, and the green fees in Salt Lake City are a bargain. We receive a tremendous product at each golf course for the fees we pay.More important is the revenue that is used to supplement the other recreation programs in the city. I coach Little League baseball in Salt Lake City's Central City League. In this program, we provide recreational opportunities for children 6 through 12. We also have a sister program for children 13-15 years of age. Most of the children who participate with us come from the city's central area. Many come from single parent households; many come from families who as of yet have not participated in our so-called economic upsurge. These families are either out of work, or only earning enough to make their house payments and can barely provide the sustenance they need. Some cannot pay the $25 and $35 participation fee. We do not turn any of these children away. As a league, we struggle to ensure we have adequate equipment to protect our kids and ensure they stay off the streets.
Our program has grown in the past four years from 10 teams to 26 teams. We provide this recreational opportunity for approximately 350 children who may not have other recreational opportunities. We do this because there is a need to fulfill. There is a need to provide positive reinforcement to the many children who are a heartbeat away from gang activity. If our recreational program keeps these children off the streets, then we are a success. Unfortunately, we cannot do it alone. We need financial help. Thankfully, we have the city's recreational fund.
The little extra the golfers pay for each nine holes of golf helps us provide for our children. To the detractors of this program, please stop by our field at 700 East and 1300 South and let me introduce you to a number of our young children who benefit from this fine program.
David Spatafore
Salt Lake City