To the editor:

The recent proposal to develop a “Youth Sports Complex” with input from city, county, school and private participants should be developed as a top priority for the community.

Now that Sport 2 Sport is being converted to a “tennis only” facility, local gym space for basketball, volleyball, futsal (indoor soccer), intramurals and free-play is at capacity. There simply is no additional indoor space left.

Some suggest expanding YSI. That won’t work. Access to the park is inadequate, as evidenced by a tragic fatality at that entry intersection.

The Kansas Department of Transportation won’t allow expansion of the facility without a costly solution to the traffic problem. Besides, the land lies in the floodplain and is leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Some suggest using KU facilities. KU has cooperated, but collegiate competition – Big 12, intramurals and recreational – takes priority. Possibly, there are opportunities to work together on jointly developed lighted soccer and track stadiums. However, that doesn’t satisfy needs for additional space for the other sports.

Finally, as progressive as Lawrence prides itself as being, some really don’t want change. Compared to school facilities in other 6A districts, you will note our local inadequacy.

And to those who say local governments can’t cooperate, go to Manhattan where the city developed Anneberg Park, a facility where simultaneous soccer (recreational or high school) and softball tournaments are played. If Manhattan can do it, why can’t it be done here?

Shelley Bock,

Lawrence