To the editor:

It has been really disappointing to see the proposed assignment of fees on sport leagues that have truly been not only successful but a great benefit to the children of Portsmouth.

The School Department recently initiated the establishment of fees for the use of the fields at the high school. This trend of using town-owned property, supported by the taxpaying public for the purpose of raising revenue, is not only offensive it's ridiculous. With an operating budget of $57 million, these fees on the use of athletic fields is supposedly needed to cover the $17,000 cost of field maintenance.

While appointing a part-time recreation director for the purpose of having swimming and other programs for younger children is a great thing to, do we really need to provide recreation and entertainment for adults? Let's support our coaches and league leaders, who give time, money and their own sweat labor trying to keep the fields in good condition. They deserve our support and the support of the Town Council.

We don't need to see the uncertainty that arises when we have conflicting goals with the recreation director managing the use of these fields in the event someone from out of town may want to rent a field, and coaches who plan their own game schedules in advance.

Kathy Melvin

69 Heritage Drive

Portsmouth