Volunteering my time to coach both of my sons’ baseball teams, I expected a rewarding experience in our Chelsea, MI community. Instead, the utter neglect by the Community Education department has left coaches and families and players frustrated and disappointed. Despite repeated attempts to get answers, teams at multiple levels have not received jerseys and repeated emails to both the head of Community Ed and the district assistant superintendent went unanswered.

Families throughout Chelsea joined the Little League with hopes of providing their children with a valuable learning experience, yet what we received was far from that. The field conditions were nothing short of terrible, missing bases, deteriorating home plate, Beach field washing away, risking not only gameplay but the safety of the kids participating. The lack of communication from those orchestrating the programs added to the frustration among parents like myself who look forward to these important community activities each year.

The reality is, community programs like the Little League are essential for fostering growth, learning, and teamwork among our youth. These programs are funded by families expecting a certain standard that includes safe, playable field conditions and appropriate gear and uniforms, which were disgracefully absent this season.

We, the community of Chelsea, MI, demand that the Community Education department take responsibility for this program's shortcomings. We deserve, at the very least, a refund for the fees paid in good faith that these programs would be conducted responsibly and professionally. For the benefit of our children and community, this oversight must be addressed.

Join me and others in demanding transparency and accountability from those in charge. What is the money we work hard to earn put towards in our Community Education programs if not uniforms and field improvements? Let's ensure that the future of our children's sports programs is treated with the dedication and respect they deserve. Please sign this petition to require the Community Education department to refund all families who participated in this year's baseball and softball Little League. Our voices matter and deserve to be heard.