Dear Editor: We are members of SCORE — Sitkans for Community Outdoor Recreation Enhancement — a group of local residents working to improve and protect access to quality recreational facilities in Sitka. Our mission is simple: to promote the health and well-being of Sitkans of all ages by ensuring we have durable, usable recreation spaces that can be enjoyed year-round.
Our current focus is on improvements to the track and field, as well as upgrading Sitka’s only women’s softball field. But our long-term goal is broader: to build reliable infrastructure that supports the many recreation activities Sitkans love. That’s why we encourage voters to vote “YES” on Ballot Proposition 1.
An August 14 Letter to the Editor raised thoughtful concerns about the city’s financial priorities. We agree that child care access and affordability are vital to community health. But we don’t see these efforts as competing. Both child care and outdoor recreation are essential to making Sitka livable for families. These are important conversations, and we believe investing in recreation supports the same goal.
We also want to clarify a common misconception: Sitka has no dedicated funding for recreation infrastructure. While the city owns several recreation spaces, there’s no budget line to maintain or improve them. School district funding doesn’t cover these facilities – not even when used by the public or local clubs. As a result, nonprofits and volunteer-led programs rely on aging, weather-damaged facilities without consistent support.
Sitka has a strong recreation culture – from hikes and runs to youth programs and community events – but all of these rely on usable infrastructure. Without long-term funding, these opportunities become harder to sustain and less accessible, especially for families who can’t afford travel or private options.
Ballot Proposition 1 would reallocate, when available, future city funds to recreation infrastructure as obligations from the Hospital Fund and Tobacco Tax decrease. It does not raise taxes or automatically fund specific projects – including ours. It simply supports something that has been chronically underfunded.
We are committed to advocating for better recreation spaces in Sitka, and we support those working on child care, education, and other essential services. These efforts are not in conflict – they are all part of building a stronger and healthier community for everyone.
Brian McLaughlin, Randy Hitchcock
Members of SCORE
