To the editor:

A good friend and mentor once told me if it benefits the kids, then do it. This should be the only thing considered when voting on the Saranac Lake Central School District propositions three and four. Having a state-of-the-art athletic facility with turf, lights, bleachers and a press box will benefit the kids in so many ways. I personally have wished for a facility like this for many years and for many different reasons, as a player, coach, parent and event manager.

As an athlete playing a fall and spring sport for Saranac Lake High School years ago, it wasn’t very often we got to play on turf but when we did it was always a treat. My teammates and I spent many football practices on a cold, wet, muddy, dark field at the end of the season or spending weeks in a gym trying to get ready for our first lacrosse game of the season against opponents who had been outside for weeks. I even remember having a coach who decided to have us shovel off a portion of our field so we could practice outside. After hours of shoveling, we had a small area to run some drills, the next day we got hit with a late snowstorm … back to the gym.

Looking at this as a parent of three kids currently in the district that play many sports, I can see the benefits from being able to practice later into the fall season instead of having to end practices early because it is too dark, playing on a dry, clean surface rather than a wet, muddy field covered in goose droppings, and maybe even more importantly being able to get out on an actual field in the spring rather than being cooped up in a gym, or practicing in a sand covered parking lot. Furthermore, what about the advantage of having this facility for gym classes, field days and maybe even if the weather cooperates graduations, pep rallies and so many other school events?

As a coach in the North Country, having a turf facility opens so many possibilities and opportunities for your team whether it be football, soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, rugby and others.

As the director of Can-Am Rugby, I am beyond excited about the possibility of a turf facility with lights, bleachers and a press box. This would allow us to expand our event, play games under the lights and offer a world-class venue for spectators. With all of that would come more teams, tourists, room nights and, overall, more money spent in our local communities. In turn we would likely be able to donate more to local youth groups, sports programs, scholarships and community events.

With all this said, it clearly benefits the kids in a variety of ways and if it benefits the kids, then do it.

Sincerely,

Cameron Moody

Bloomingdale