I was sorely disappointed to learn of the proposed city budget cuts to the recreation athletics budget line funded under the Memphis Park Services.

This so called budget-saving effort would bring an end to the Memphis Kickball League and other activities funded under this line item. This specific budget cut would hurt our community that is desperately trying to retain/gain groups of young professionals within the Memphis city limits.

This kickball league has provided my co-workers, friends and neighbors throughout the Shelby County area an opportunity to enjoy an evening filled with youthful fun and outside activity. We compete, laugh, socialize and network, and most of all we pay for the field time with the fee going directly to Memphis Park Services.

Ive made new friends, reconnected to old friends and established business connections through this league over the last three years (seven seasons). I even recommended the FedEx Scholars (students studying for their MBAs/interning at FedEx) to join the league. Theyve started two teams in the past two seasons, which theyve used as another way to bond with their classmates through sport.

Why would the city want to disband an opportunity that brings so many people together each week, especially since larger cities provide many other options for adult recreation and athletics on a daily basis?

The Memphis City Council owes it to its constituents to look at alternative ways to balance the budget.

Rachel Kesselman

Memphis