The county’s decision to build a sportsplex in the miry meadows west of the Tombigbee has generated more questions than answers. Many are asking for numbers, but the only number being talked about is the $12.3 million price tag.
Don’t get me wrong. Baseball and softball are hot commodities. Travel ball tournaments are known to pack adjacent hotels and restaurants. The economic impact of the facility’s usage can be a net positive. But, what’s the plan?
It seems to me that the city and the county are learning about each other’s intentions by reading old newspapers. The public is seeing blatantly redundant efforts by the city and the county to accomplish similar means in separate locations. Many have raised concern that these plans offer “separate but equal” provisions—even in an area of life that should verily be bringing families together. Moreover, what will keep teams from driving past the county’s facility to Starkville’s brand new 12-field Cornerstone Sports Complex?
This tax commitment is screaming for greater due diligence. I propose that the recreational authorities of the city and county form a joint advisory board—one with more economists, parents and coaches (and fewer politicians). The purpose would be to devise a regional master plan, researching local interests, involvements, available assets, and cost of maintenance. They could hire a think tank to really crunch the numbers. Findings could then be presented to the respective decision makers in an organized and deliberate fashion.
The fruit of such research would be tangible. It would provide ideas to make Propst Park safer and prettier. It would make the projects more versatile, highlighting where to invest, and where to cut corners, so that money is not wasted maintaining unwanted amenities. (Do we need more batting cages or more vending machines?) It could show aspects that could be privatized to shrink the tax burden. It would beef up marketing, which is largely nonexistent at present. And at the very least it would energize public confidence in our recreation programs both now and in the future.
Should existing plans forge ahead, I doubt they would flop. But I would rather they thrive! Families from near and far must take full advantage of what is offered. For now, our elected officials need to listen and collaborate. Until they do, all people will see is a bunch of expensive grass out in the boondocks.
David M. Chism, Lowndes County
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