To the editor:

I am writing to encourage Newburyport residents to vote Yes for the Rec. on May 13.

As president of the Newburyport Girls Basketball Association (NGBA) the board and I have volunteered thousands of hours coordinating basketball programs for Newburyport girls. We use every available hour in the winter in Newburyport schools, sharing gym times between two teams until 9:00pm and later. Newburyport simply does not have enough space to meet demand for youth programs.

Newburyport Recreation and Youth Services reaches a far broader section of our community than we do with basketball alone. Because we share a mission to provide healthy activities for youth, we wholeheartedly support RYS and investing in the rec. center to provide a home to sustain and grow programming for everyone.

Some argue the rec. center is too big and too expensive. This project is significantly less money than rec. centers in other communities and the price under agreement now will absolutely rise if this is deferred. In looking at the plans and history of the vetting process, the building is thoughtfully designed to meet current and future needs of RYS. Putting off this project even longer means getting less or spending more in the future.

Some argue the gym is too small or only a gym should be built. Some attempt to argue both that the project is too big, and that the gym needs to be bigger. Is it too big or too small? Some say they support RYS but actively oppose this project to provide a home for RYS. What a balancing act trying to have it both ways. Where a gym-only option serves the interests of a small group of people, the proposed gym, which is comparable to the Brown School, will serve the interests of many and be tremendously helpful for youth basketball by providing much-needed practice space.

Ultimately, the rec. center is much bigger than one activity. It benefits everyone. It is an investment in the future and our community. It provides a home and space for RYS to grow and serve all our community. I strongly encourage voters to visit the YesfortheRec.com site to view facts and information to make an informed decision and avoid scare tactics or red herrings.

Please join me in voting yes on this important opportunity to invest in a home for RYS and an asset for all of Newburyport.

SHAWN FENN

Newburyport