Dear Editor:

A few thoughts regarding the Boothbay Harbor tennis courts and their impending destruction.

I don’t understand the need to increase parking at a school whose population has decreased dramatically and continues to do so. Often, when I drive by the school, the lower town lot is only partially full.

Over the years, many Boothbay Harbor residents have worked tirelessly to build, maintain and enhance Sherman Field and the Boothbay Harbor tennis courts. One of those residents was the highly decorated and combat wounded World War II veteran Alfred Sherman. How can we forget him? Al was great man, and in my opinion, an American treasure from America's greatest generation! How many local veterans funerals did he attend to present the flag to the veteran's family? I dare not guess. Without Mr. Sherman’s perseverance, hard work and foresight that field and those tennis courts would not be there today for all of us to enjoy.

For those who don’t know, the field is named Sherman Field in his honor. Out of simple and enduring respect for Mr. Sherman and his family, I would suggest that if we agree to alter the use of the tennis courts space, that we consider using the space for perhaps basketball or some other recreational or athletic purpose, more in line with his original goals and dreams.

How many parking spaces do we need at the “Gateway to Boothbay Harbor?” Count them, starting at the Y and continuing to Hannaford. All of those businesses require their own spaces and maintain them well. I am not suggesting they don’t, but how can we enhance the entrance of Boothbay Harbor for residents or tourists alike by adding more unused parking spaces on public parks land? A tourist kiosk? Why not drive 150 yards further south to the Chamber of Commerce (more available parking) for travel information.

I want to suggest as a resident of Boothbay Harbor that enhancing the park, not the parking, should be the priority for the residents and the selectmen of Boothbay Harbor.

George D. Friant
Boothbay Harbor