Letter: Pavilion praise

To the editor:

I would like to publicly thank everyone that was involved with Sports Pavilion Lawrence. What a magnificent facility! First class all the way and a great addition to the wonderful Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. This complex is as good as it gets anywhere in the country. It has enabled thousands of kids to pursue the sports they have chosen in the Midwest where the winters are cold. It has provided a workout opportunity for any Douglas County resident, 15 hours a day, seven days a week.

I own three restaurants in Lawrence. Usually January and February are slow months. We have had our best winter this year at Johnny’s West and Mariscos. A significant portion of our sales are directly related to the tournaments that are scheduled at LSP. I know it is too early to quantify the extra sales tax because of the LSP but I bet it will be big across the city.

This was a huge project with a lot of moving parts. There were a lot of opportunities for this project to derail. With the way the federal and state governments have been so ineffectual, it is surprising and gratifying to see that big ideas can still happen.

So thanks to the Lawrence City Commission, the KU Endowment Association and KU Athletic Department, Bliss Sports, and the Bill Self foundation for your determination and willingness to make this happen. Government, university, private business and nonprofit working together to make our dreams come true.