[Vision2020] Questions About the Ball fields

[Ben Twigg]

Visionaries, 

J Ford wrote: 

"(6) While I agree that Ball fields are important and needed, why can't we
improve the ones we have before we spend $2.6M on a new set of ones?  What
does this mean for the ones we have now - will they be ignored or just
dropped from use?"

Fundamentally, the problem is lack of fields, not inadequacy of existing
fields. Yes, it is possible that conditions of existing fields could be
improved with more/better maintenance, but improving existing fields would
not address the underlying issue. 

Existing fields are currently being overused. The proposed playfield project
would reduce use of existing fields, but it certainly would not eliminate
the need for existing fields. 

As an example, Oylear Field is currently the "default" field for high school
and competitive youth soccer practices and games. I think anyone "in the
know" would agree that Oylear is overused for most of the year. If/when the
proposed playfield project is completed, many of the youth soccer events
that currently occur at Oylear would be "transferred" to the new fields
complex. This would greatly enhance the playing environment for kids and
also reduce the "wear and tear" on Oylear. 

Although I think your other questions are good ones, I am not in a position
to be able to answer any of them. Please feel free to contact me with
additional questions related to the need for additional playfields in
Moscow. Thanks. 

Ben Twigg