“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”— Parks & Recreation

Dear Editor:

Why fix something that isn’t broken — Parks and Recreation of Deerfield Beach?

Five years ago, I started my first 10-week boot camp session through the Parks and Rec. of Deerfield Beach. At the time, my goal was to get in shape and the instructor didn’t seem to matter. My opinion has changed. Since then, I have lost 10 lbs. and am in the best shape of my 47 years. I truly believe it is due to the nature of the instructor.

Six months ago, my sons wanted to join a gym, so my husband and I tried the gym’s boot camp classes. Before long, I was making every excuse to miss the classes. That was my wake-up call. I discovered, not all “boot camp” instructors are created equal and we went back to our “tried and true” instructor, Blaise.

Over the years, I have heard some bad jokes that make me laugh and developed camaraderie with many other people my age, but in the end, my husband and I go to the Deerfield Parks and Rec. boot camp because of Blaise.

He may not know this, but I often think to myself, if he cares enough to come out three days a week on his own time, then so can I.

In addition, I don’t recall attending a city-sponsored event that my family didn’t run into him at one time or another.

At our Saturday class, I found out that after all these years, he is being replaced.

If the leadership at the Parks and Recreation division thinks it can find a unique, dedicated and irreplaceable employee like Blaise, they are in the wrong division. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love the guy. But don’t take my word for it, do your homework.

People, like Blaise, who have dedicated their adult lives to this city and truly love our city, should be respected.

I am living proof; this man is special and shouldn’t be pushed aside and discarded for a new agenda.

Of course, the first question I ask myself is, “Why?”
Why would anyone want to replace Blaise?

I say, “Let Blaise continue to motivate!” For all of those who feel the same way, let our recreation department know, “It isn’t broken!”

Angela Jacques

Deerfield Beach