I read with interest the article in the Aug. 8 edition of The Natchez Democrat regarding the YMCA taking over recreation in Natchez, and I wonder just what the YMCA knows about recreation in Natchez.

The YMCA’s that were involved in my youth on Main and Canal streets were more of a club, and neither had a pool, tennis court, baseball field or definitely not a soccer field. This same group wants to run all of the above and also the golf course at Duncan Park.

To my knowledge, they do not know anything about chemicals, sand traps, greens, drainage or changing a flag pin. Duncan Park has been rated as one of the top public courses in Mississippi, thanks to efforts of Greg Brooking who is a certified gold course superintendent designated by the Golf Course Superintendents of America.

Several years ago, the course was in such bad condition that you basically could not play it, and then Brooking took over and the course now has more play from outsiders than ever. Duncan Park is the shining light for visitors when they come to Natchez. Today I had a gentleman that lives in Woodhaven subdivision state that he moved to Natchez to retire and did not know anyone. He and his wife visited Natchez and loved it, and he loved the Duncan Park Golf Course for the beauty and the value. Now he is considering moving to Baton Rouge.

Duncan Park accounts for more income to the city budgets than one realizes. Their income is closer now to the money that is expended by the local government. The course is not managed by the recreation council, who looking at the Recreation Board does not have a golfer on the committee.

So now I presume the YMCA is going to manage the course, hire and fire employees, buy chemicals, mowers and other goods that are required to maintain a golf course. Where are they going to get their training. I presume that the YMCA will take the golf course employees and involve them in mowing baseball parks, soccer fields, or heck, maybe make them lifeguards.

When I was growing up, the baseball fields were managed and organized by the parents of the children playing baseball. There were a few exceptions such as Newt Willis, Phillip Gousett, and Clarence Bowlin, to name a few.

In conclusion, the YMCA is a good organization even though they are closing two very nice facilities in Jackson for some unknown reason. Please do not let them destroy facilities that do not need the assistance of the Y.
Dan Bland

Natchez resident