Forum set on Memorial Field

SANDPOINT — The Friends of Memorial Field is inviting the public to an open forum on Nov. 8 to discuss ongoing plans to renovate the facility.

The meeting will be held at Sandpoint High School from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

A committee of five citizens has been meeting for two months to come up with a plan to raise funds for a unique facility that is a hub for everything from sports to high school graduation to The Festival at Sandpoint.

“We want people to come and see what we are thinking but most importantly, the committee wants to hear from the public about what they would like to see at Memorial Field,” said Doug Hawkins, committee member.

“This is a great time to put your thumbprint on what will be done at Memorial Field.”

The committee was formed because the iconic field has fallen into disrepair.

Five years ago a community-wide fundraiser kept the grandstands from being condemned. Most recently, one of the banks of lights caught on fire at a football game.

“We are way past the Band-Aid time,” said committee member David Keyes. “Something has to be done before someone gets hurt.”

The committee estimates that replacing and expanding the grandstands, lights, sound system, scoreboard and numerous other upgrades will cost nearly $1.3 million.

The committee will kick off the five-year plan this year. A fundraising committee has been formed to explore grants as well as to raise money from the public.

Representatives from the city, schools  and others are expected to speak at the meeting.

“Come help us decide the future of Memorial Field,” said committee member Tye Barlow.