We had great hopes when we learned the Natchez Adams County Recreation Commission would hold a joint meeting with elected officials last week to discuss progress of planned ball fields.

After the meeting, however, we were greatly disappointed.

The meeting revealed that the Natchez Adams County Recreation Commission is in disarray.

We had hints of problems earlier this year when the Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi canceled its management of the Natchez Community Swimming Pool.

Turns out the YMCA had not been paid for several months and the recreation commission had failed to renew the YMCA’s contract after not being able to get a quorum of members to meet between November 2018 and May.

Now we learn the books have not been properly maintained to the point that no one, including members of the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen, the Adams County Board of Supervisors or the Natchez-Adams School District, can say how often the entities’ funding payments have been made, or how far behind those organizations might be on their payments.

Clearly, the current system is not working.

Perhaps, such an important function of the Natchez-Adams County community as recreation, which many residents have deemed to be a top priority for the community, is too much responsibility for well-meaning volunteers to handle alone.

If we are going to see Natchez and Adams County get the quality of recreational facilities to bring in visitors and to host regional tournaments, we should consider professional management for the recreation commission.

Regardless, we urge community leaders to fix the problems evident in the management of Natchez Adams County Recreation.