Dear Recreation Families.

I want to begin with a sincere apology. As the new Director of Community Learning, I’ve been made aware of the many challenges and disappointments that have affected this season’s youth baseball and softball programs. From double-booked fields to delays with equipment and uniforms, the experience has not reflected the high standards that your families—and especially your children—deserve. I understand how frustrating this has been. Youth sports should be a source of fun, growth, and community connection, and I’m deeply sorry that this season has not met those expectations.

In recognition of the significant disruptions and the inconvenience this has caused, we are working on how to best fairly compensate those families that are seeking refunds. For those of you who are seeking a refund, we will be available in the Pierce Lake Community Education Office from 12 (noon) to 5 pm, June 17 through Thursday, June 26. Noel Dean, who will be overseeing the Recreation Programming starting July 1, or I will be here to listen and facilitate your request.
Looking ahead, I want to assure you that we are already taking meaningful steps to rebuild and improve our recreation programming. We are committed to:
● Creating organized, transparent schedules
● Ensuring timely ordering and distribution of uniforms and equipment
● Improving communication and customer service
● Restructuring our office staff and listening to feedback from families

Our goal is to create a positive, reliable, and enriching experience for all youth participants moving forward. Under the guidance of our new Youth Recreation Coordinator Noel Dean, we are excited to launch a full review and redesign of our recreational sports programs for the upcoming seasons, and we look forward to sharing those plans with you soon.

Thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most of all, your continued commitment to our community’s youth.

I look forward to getting to know and working with all of you.
Warmly,
Sarah Bentley
Director of Early Childhood and Community Learning
sbentley@chelseaschools.org
734-433-2204