I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude the other night. I live in a suburb of Broward County, Florida not far from Ft. Lauderdale. Well a few years ago they had this bond issue and I guess that's what it was because all these beautiful parks and ballfields started springing up all over the county.
These are beautiful fields with baseball, soccer, roller hockey, and well-maintained football fields with covered stands and electronic scoreboards. Concession stands too. They're great and they bring the whole community together. And many of the local municipalities are part of it and have similar parks in theircommunities which they alternate using in league play. This is definitely the 2008 version of the Norman Rockwell experience.
One of the groups sharing in the use of these fields is the American Youth Football League (AYFL) served by some wonderfully dedicated people who really provide a sophisticated organized program for the kids. I'm not sure of all the relationships here but the Optimists are there too and everyone works together to give the community's young people and their families an opportunity at sports including cheerleading. (That's where I really come in.) And I'm thankful to be a part of it all.
In season, the football games go on all day Saturday with every weight class getting their turn at the field. There are 100's of people there coming and going and greeting and meeting and participating in their community. It's beautiful, a grand picnic. And while the kids often practice at the local junior high during the week, this is really a local community functioning by the people and for the people.
The other evening I was there with my daughter just watching the game for a while until it was time to pick her up and take her home when the whole experience of a loving community just washed over me.
This is the meaning of community spirit and community involvement at its best. Of course, there are always going to be personalities you disagree with but the relationship average is so high that I just have to say I'm grateful to live here with these people as my neighbors. Cooper City, Florida and Broward County is a wonderful place to live. Thank you all and thank God.
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