LJWorld.com

If the head of every Lawrence resident swiveled in compass-like fashion, then magnetic north would be east.

Folks in these parts have always been Kansas City Metro-minded even though a big city - and the state capital at that - lies in closer proximity to the west.

K.C. is just so much more cosmopolitan than Topeka. That's the way it is, and it will never change. Nevertheless, Topeka cannot be accused of treading water.

You know how Kansas City took a step toward revitalizing its dormant downtown with the construction of the Sprint Center and the Power and Light District. Now Topeka wants to do basically the same thing.

Capital City fathers are considering how to finance a baseball stadium that would play host to an independent league team like the K.C. T-Bones and also several outdoor concerts.

Topekans were told this week that if they build a stadium the Northern League will come with an expansion team, likely as soon as 2010. But why would Topeka want to be affiliated with that league?

Sure, the Northern League has the T-Bones, but the other affiliated clubs are mainly in Canada and suburban Chicago. Meanwhile, the American Association, another independent baseball league, has franchises in Wichita and Lincoln, Neb.

Geography would enhance the bottom line because proximity builds rivalries and eases the burden of team travel. Every gallon of gasoline must be factored into operating costs. Unless Toyota is producing a Prius bus by then.

If Topeka does come up with the money to build this stadium and the people want to come, where will they go?

I'd like to see the new ballpark built where that white monstrosity low-rent motel is located just off I-70 as you make the turn into the downtown area. That old Holiday Inn is an eyesore that unfairly paints a poor picture of the city.

But that isn't where they want to build it. The plan is to develop the area near the Kansas River around renovated Great Overland Station, the city's former Union Pacific depot. I don't know what it is about the nation's citizenry wanting to fix up old train stations. Must be a guilt complex or something. Kansas City did it with Union Station and the place, as impressive as it is, hemorrhages money.

Also, Lawrence spent about a half-million bucks to turn its unused Union Pacific station into a visitors center. Now a vocal minority wants to rescue Lawrence's decaying Santa Fe depot, which is actually still used by Amtrak, yet I'll bet half the populace doesn't even know where it is.

But back to the Great Overland Station. I've been there and it's terrific. Still, it's basically a one-and-done attraction. The GOS does, however, boast potential because plenty of space exists nearby for future development.

It's not difficult to envision a baseball stadium nearby and the equivalent of a Power and Light District within walking distance. Perhaps even a bustling shopping area like The Legends around the T-Bones' CommunityAmerica Ballpark would spring up.

Then again, Topeka may be unable to come up with the funding, but at least the Capital City isn't spinning its wheels.

There's some vision there.