There are nearly 50,000 residents in Hicksville with as many as 6,000 of them enrolled in schools across the town. When you do the math that leaves an awfully big heap of kids eligible to play organized sports here.

Unfortunately, while there have been some fascinating teams to come through the ranks, the truth is Hicksville's connections with its sports programs have generally been lukewarm at best. Attempting to harness such a massive pool of talent can be difficult work in itself, but perhaps Hicksville's problems in embracing its sports programs lie elsewhere.

Last time I checked, the chieftains of youth sports programs in the Town of Oyster Bay - Massapequa, Bethpage and Farmingdale - were all brandishing lighted fields for their organizations. Each heavily coated in town colors where banners of past and present glory are proudly flaunted for its townspeople.

By no means will lighted fields alone transform the success of any organization. However, through these facilities other towns have developed a form of identity - an important ingredient when mixed with competent coaching and good administration can allow towns to develop rich traditions. While many will argue that Hicksville has Cantiague Park within its midst, playing fields have been allowed to deteriorate to deplorable levels by the county. In addition, with high permit fees, the park is no longer a viable option for our children to use.

Clearly frustrated, several members of the Hicksville Crusaders Football Association met with Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto to discuss the idea of constructing a lighted playing facility in Hicksville. Venditto and Town Parks Deputy Rob Walker were given a chance to lead and ran with it, hammering out a project that will benefit more than just the kids on the gridiron. As a result, a lighted football and baseball field will be built this spring on Andrews Road. Each of the fields' playing surfaces will consist of state-of-the-art "new turf" to ensure durability and maintenance. A new drainage system will also be in place and a scoreboard will be erected. Soccer and lacrosse teams within the town will also utilize these fields.

While there are those who will still refute the logic of this project, keep in mind the Town has done its homework on this issue. Lights will be directional type, restricting illumination to the field areas only, keeping glare away from any surrounding houses. Fences have already been put up where parking areas will be located and most of all, taxes will not be raised. According to Walker, all budget expenses and related costs pertaining to the fields have already been accounted for.

Arguably, there is no greater importance to a sports program than the image it portrays to its own town. This wonderful gift from the Town of Oyster Bay can be the building blocks needed to erase the labels of mediocrity within a town now poised for change. We must take advantage of this great opportunity by shaking the masses and rattling the dust off a once stagnant sports town.

They have built it, now we must come.