I understand the argument. I realize that there are both good and bad things that will come out of the proposed facility upgrades at Lawrence High and Free State. But, from where I sit, they’re mostly good.And here’s the reason why.For years, Lawrence’s young athletes have watched as the cities around have opened plush new venues, dazzling district stadiums and fancy new fields. Our young athletes have played at those new facilities year after year, and after each occasion have returned to their home fields wondering when their time will come.The time is here. And everyone involved with high school sports in Lawrence — from clock operators and referees to players and parents — should be smiling.Assuming the school board gives the final go-ahead at its Oct. 13 meeting, Lawrence finally will be on par with those schools it competes against. And, if the powers that be are doing things right, our city actually will be a step ahead.That’s my biggest concern here. It’s not the cost, it’s not the burden, it’s the execution.I sympathize with the neighbors around Lawrence High and hope that, with a little extra thought and effort, the school district can find a solution to calm their fears. I’ve lived in Lawrence a long time and always have found it to be a wonderful place. I have great faith that our leaders will work to help these people and not just ignore them.>From a strictly athletic point of view, I’m also hoping that the district does not ignore the most important part of these upgrades and that’s doing them right.If we’re going to build these wonderful venues at Lawrence High and if we’re going to give Free State High the on-campus football stadium it has wanted for so long, let’s do it right. Don’t just throw up some bleachers, lights and a scoreboard and call it good. Make it pop. Make it special. Make it reflect what a wonderful place Lawrence is.I have plenty of thoughts on how to do this, and none of them come cheap. But there are hundreds of people in this town ready and willing to kick in a little cash to ensure that Lawrence remains one of the most unique places in the state.Take the football stadium at LHS, for instance. Lawrence High has a rich and wonderful tradition of playing its games at Haskell Stadium. It would be a shame if that tradition were replaced by mediocrity.So how can we ensure that it isn’t? Simple. Throw together a fund-raiser to gather enough money to build a mini-replica of the Haskell Stadium arch that towers over the stadium’s west entrance. What a neat way to pay homage to the LHS tradition and bridge the gap for future memories.Similarly, at Free State, why not throw in a hedge row between the sidelines and the stands? Nothing says football like the college venues in the Southeastern Conference, which have made such visions staples of the game today.Adding a row of beautifully manicured bushes to spice up the field would make playing there a pleasure and leave those who visit with a hint of jealousy.I’m not suggesting that these two ideas are the only answers, I’m merely using them to illustrate my point: Lawrence is a wonderful place and it only makes sense that these new stadiums reflect that.