Bond Issue Includes Money to Tear Down Fairgrounds Field

One of the items included in the bond issue is stirring up controversy. It calls for the demolition of Fairgrounds Field. The price tag is $1 million dollars.

Spar officials say Fairgrounds Field was built more than 30 years ago. It has outlived its glory days. Many organizations have approached the City about utilizing Fairgrounds Field over the years, but the structural and cosmetic needs make the venue cost-prohibitive. An empty lot would do more to encourage economic development, and it would be a more attractive view from I-20.

The proposition including the park improvements and the demolition is a part of the $76 million Police and Fire package. Several other parks projects are also included.

One big question for city leaders over the years is how to fund maintenance of our public buildings. This package also includes $3 million for building maintenance, park management, rec center programming and swimming pool costs.

There will be 2 other propositions on the November ballot. One is $32 million for water and sewer projects and prop 3 is $78 million for streets and drainage.