It can be said that recreation left town a long time ago. You may wonder why. Let me explain.

As a youth growing up in my fair city of Natchez, recreation was plentiful. We had public swimming pools and thriving summer tennis, basketball and baseball programs. And, last but not least, summer pool parties. Those are memories that I will treasure for the rest of my days. Not only were they fun; in those programs I learned valuable lessons such as teamwork, loyalty and commitment. As important, recreation kept lots of children off the streets and on a football field or a tennis court.

Sadly, today’s youth do not have the same opportunities for growth and development because quality, affordable recreation programs do not exist in many of our towns and cities. Not only is recreation missing in our communities, some schools have even eliminated P.E. from the school day. As I see my own community struggle with juvenile crime, I cannot help but draw a connection between the increase in the juvenile crime statistics and the absence of organized recreation.

I don’t have all of the answers, but as a parent, I am committed to working toward a solution. The key component is gaining the commitment of caring people such as Henry “Hank” Harris and Ms. Jeanie Peabody — two people who defined the art of selfless giving to the young people of Natchez.

The next most important component is funding. The City of Natchez has allocated $1.1 million dollars for recreation, and Adams County has allocated $46,000. As you can see, there is a disparity in the amount of funding and, apparently, commitment to the youth. The city’s budget will allow it to both maintain and operate its existing programs, leaving no available funds for expansion.

The Mayor of Natchez recently said that the recreational director was a magician for working with the $1.1 million budget.

The county’s budget will only maintain county parks. The city’s recreational programs were widely used by residents of the county, who through taxation simply do not pay their fair share. If the county would increase its funding, many needed programs, such as swimming, could return to Natchez.

The story for the youth of Natchez is not all gloom and doom, I am glad to report. Last year, a parent group of which I am a member and coach, formed what is known as the Little Falcon Football League. We saw a need and are working hard to fill it. The league boasts three teams, divided by age group, 50 players and 10 cheerleaders. And, still in its infancy, the Little Falcons are proud of their 2-1 record. The children, ages 8-12, are having a ball and learning important life lessons along the way.

Remember that $1.1 million budget that I talked about earlier? It is amazing what a group of everyday citizens can accomplish with little money and lots of heart that the city cannot with our hard-earned tax dollars.

Barney Schoby Jr. is a Natchez resident.