Proposed center benefits community, youngsters

I am in favor of the Sandpoint Centre. The people volunteering their time to create this vision should be commended! Though I'm not excited about new taxes, I feel the community center that has been proposed is a good use of taxpayer funds. There are numerous communities, larger and smaller, that have similar amenities for their residents. We have two young children that are a constant reminder to us that in the long time between summers there are few options for recreation when it is soggy outside.

A Spokesman-Review article (Jan. 22) discussed sports facilities in the Spokane area. It is worth looking up. The article states that many private sports facilities have failed because user fees alone can't cover the high costs of developing them. By using public dollars to fund initial development, they can succeed in providing a wonderful venue to recreate and exercise for everyone in the community. The economic value to the community should not be overlooked as a sports complex brings in outside dollars from visitors, concessions and tournaments. The location near Sandpoint has been criticized but it is centrally located within the district.

Remember that we are currently voting only to create the recreational district. Once that is voted on, decisions can be made on what facilities are appropriate. Our city and county parks are public property and we would sorely miss them if they were privately owned. Please read about it at www.sandpointcenter.com.

CHRIS MUNRO

Sandpoint