As a parent and volunteer coach for the last seven years, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that youth sports, particularly travel soccer teams, have on our community. My son and daughter are among countless children in Baltimore County who have benefited from these programs. They provide affordable access to high-level competition for youth who wish to remain active and involved in sports. They foster teamwork, build self-esteem, and promote physical fitness among our children. As a participant in Adult Soccer Leagues as well, I can attest to the benefits it brings not only to my physical health but also my mental wellbeing.

However, the new policy from Baltimore County Recreation and Parks threatens this vital resource. Their Reimagine Recreation & Parks Initiative prioritizes issuing facility permits to programs outside existing council boundaries over local ones. This could severely limit many of our local programs. We will lose field, court, and baseball/softball diamonds to programs outside our Council’s boundaries. Beloved programs like adult sports and travel programs that have been operating for decades will have to shut down regardless of community input or demand.

Furthermore, these permit changes could shut out youth travel and adult programs from receiving facility permits since they are now considered lower priority. This shift does not only limit access but also takes away liability coverage for volunteer coaches like myself - leaving us unable to coach without insurance. This would be devastating for our community as it would potentially shut out many beneficial recreational activities that rely on these permits and coverage.

For-profit club programs cost significantly more than their non-profit counterparts tied to recreation councils with volunteer coaches like myself. If this policy is implemented without modification, it will likely lead to increased costs for families wishing their children participate in sports - a burden not all can bear, and many young athletes will be left without a team to play for.

We must protect our local recreation councils’ ability to serve our communities effectively by opposing this new initiative’s current form. Let’s ensure that every child in Baltimore County has an equal opportunity to participate in sports at an affordable cost.

Please sign this petition urging the Baltimore County authorities reconsider their Reimagine Recreation & Parks Initiative so we can continue providing valuable sporting opportunities for all of our children.

Join the Facebook group and post your thoughts there as well. 

To read all comments left by supporters here, please visit this page and learn what this initiative means to them.

****WHEN YOU SIGN THIS PETITION AT THE END IT ASKS FOR DONATIONS, PLEASE KNOW THAT THESE DONATIONS GO TO CHANGE.ORG NOT ANYTHING DIRECTLY RELATED TO THIS CAUSE*****