Barras: Playing games with city playing fields

D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Director Jesus Aguirre should be praised. He has attempted to bring equity to a system of doling out permits for the use of city fields that previously satisfied the needs of large and influential sports leagues over those of neighborhood residents.

Instead, he has been lambasted by D.C. Council members and Stoddert Soccer Board of Directors Chairman Nick Keenan, whose organization serves more than 5,000 children — many from Wards 2, 3 and 4. Each child pays $70 per season — although scholarships and family packages are available.