Cherokee Middle kids need room to practice, play

I, as a parent, am utterly appalled by the view I am looking at.
It is the start of another wonderful football season with again no place for our football teams to practice.
We have four football and cheerleading teams (totaling 150 children) crammed into the outfield of Cherokee Middle School’s baseball field.
It is an absolute shame and disgrace to this town, not to mention future generations of athletes, that our leaders are unable to provide a safe environment for our children to play any sport they desire.
We have one of the most beautiful areas in the whole county, not to mention the fact that TVA gave over $40 million to our county.
We are the first to cast stones when one of our youth get into trouble, but yet our leaders are unwilling to provide a decent place for our children to engage in activities that they love.
Ever wonder why we encourage them to relocate when they graduate? There is nothing to keep them home.
We and your future high school players attended a board meeting last year and we were heard out, then quickly swept under the rug!
Whoever you are, board members should provide a safe environment for our children to play and practice any sport they so desire.
We do our part: fundraisers, car washes, bake sales, and that’s all we know to do. What do you do? Absolutely nothing except to come down and campaign for the next vote.
Harriman and Rockwood both have nice places and are proud of the places they have to play sports.
Why do we not have anything to be proud of?
This has been an ongoing issue that needs to be resolved because it may one day be your son, daughter or grandchild that may be in your position to make a difference in this town.
Or will it be you?
Wende Jones
Kingston