Field's completion depends on a supportive council

Council members Deb Ruehle, John Darling, and Thomas Eddy voted yes to GreenPlay’s recommendation for artificial turf at Memorial Field. Mayor Shelby Rognstad also voted yes after providing his insight into the debate. He expanded on his decision in a post on his @electshelby FB page, “I understand and appreciate all sides of this debate. After supporting grass turf for years, I was recently converted by a few simple ideas: … He lists his ideas with the third being: “The return on investment far outweighs what can be achieved with grass turf.”

The SAFL board agrees and believes the vote was a huge win for youth sports in Sandpoint. GreenPlay’s design is a thoughtful proposal of how Memorial Field can best serve every user group. The new layout and surface will increase usability and play-ability throughout the year, especially during months when current usage is limited by weather and poor field conditions.

As noted by GreenPlay, artificial turf expands the capacity to which the facilities can be used, allowing for simultaneous practice uses by multiple sports, and increasing usage hours from 1,210 to 2,094 per year. Grass surfaces have proven time and again to limit who can use the field. This favors a select few, creating unnecessary division in the community. Local youth sports and other user groups deserve unrestricted access to all of Sandpoint’s facilities and amenities such as the lighting, locker rooms, and seating currently offered at Memorial Field.

Completion of this design for Memorial Field depends on a City Council that continues to support each phase. On Tuesday, Nov. 5, consider voting for candidates who continue to support the youth in our community. Above all, do your research. For more information, go online to memorialfield.info .

MOSE DUNKEL

Sandpoint