The truth concerning Memorial Field, turf

In a recent letter to the editor, Sandpoint’s last “managing” mayor opined about the decision to install artificial turf at Memorial Field. Her diatribe contained inaccuracies, misconceptions and fantasy.

1. In the 2015 ballot measure, three items were related directly to Memorial Field: grandstands, field surface and drainage and Memorial Field infrastructure. The ballot expressly stated: if funds remain, other parks will be addressed. This measure wasn’t intended to be a “fix all the parks” initiative. (If you don’t have the ballot, I can provide a copy of mine.)

2. GreenPlay was hired for two reasons: 1) Get professional input into developing a comprehensive plan for Parks & Recreation in Sandpoint. 2) Have a professional establish and take responsibility for the contentious decision as to grass or artificial turf. The fee plus or minus $120,000. GreenPlay was not charged with creating one plan for turf and another for grass: just the best plan. Madam Mayor, are you proposing spending another $120,000 for a second best plan? Then have council members Joel Aispuro, Bill Aitken and Shannon Williamson, who were as confused as you at the meeting, make the decision.

3. Fantasy: All athletic events currently held at Memorial Field, with its new $800,000 grandstands, will magically be played at Travers Park? Where’s the infrastructure funding? War Memorial Field to become a low-use public park, except for the 10 days of the musical festival? The field was dedicated War Memorial Field in 1951 that “future participants shall play in peace.” I’m fairly certain that it was intended for the youth of SAndpoint and not the musicians of the Festival at Sandpoint.

Dr. JEFF JOHNSON

Sandpoint

Memorial Surface Advisory Committee member