Postpone Memorial Field turf project and focus on people’s lives

The city’s project to install artificial turf at Memorial Field has begun. The baseball bleachers, the concession stand and the dugouts are now gone. Next I suppose tons of natural grass and topsoil will be hauled off to be dumped somewhere.

This project is no longer about artificial versus natural. In this moment it has become an issue of life and death.

Our mayor says he has confirmed with Gov. Brad Little that the Memorial Field project is exempt from being restricted because it is a “public works project.” And here I thought it fell under the Parks and Recreation. But I’ll admit that things in our little hamlet change so quickly now, I often can’t keep up.

As I see it essential services to be provided by the city are reliable clean water, a waste water system that works and public safety personnel trained and equipped to respond to emergencies.

I have to ask: How many lives is a 2020 Festival at Sandpoint season worth? How many lives is a 2020 soccer and football season worth?

If you think this project should be postponed until this pandemic crisis has passed, call city hall and demand that this project be postponed. Don’t expect a live voice to answer a phone but do leave a message.

Now is the time for the city to put the safety and health of our people first.

HELEN NEWTON

Sandpoint