HomeMy WebLinkAboutSports complex Public Comment from Erika Cannon 3-14From:Erika Cannon
To:Agenda; Jeff Graff
Subject:Bozeman Sports Park
Date:Monday, March 03, 2014 10:22:27 AM
Dear TOP Committee and Bozeman City Commission:
Bozeman is so lucky to have such a wonderful community that supportsstaying healthy and enjoying the outdoors. As a long time resident,soccer coach and mom, I hope you will consider funding the sports park.I have watched the athletic community grow and the need for multi-usefields grow in the past 20 years. There are so many players in manyfield sports that, can and should be able to have the use of fields,that allow them to stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.
I have coached soccer at the high school for 18 years and watchedvirtually every other large city in Montana hold a State Soccertournament for high school and club soccer. We have been unable to holda state tournament, primarily because of lack of field space. Every yearI attend a state tournament in another town, I am asked, "Why doesn'tBozeman host the State Tournament?" We just don't have enough fieldspace for a tournament of that size. Every single one of the people thatasks this question is dumbfounded and asks, "why we are so behind thetimes?" These tournaments bring in major revenue for their cities,including hotels, restaurants, retail, and much, much more tourismrelated revenue.
The increase in number of kids and adults playing soccer, lacrosse,rugby, ultimate frisbee and other field sports in Bozeman is amazing. Itwould be wonderful to see the amount of field space increase toaccommodate the increasing numbers. Not only is the tournament aspect abig reason to increase space, but the daily use for practices and intown competitions is also a major reason for adding this sports park.
I love Bozeman and have had so much enjoyment playing and coachingsoccer and hope that we can continue to provide that experience for ouryoung people.This seems to be the perfect opportunity for the TOP Committee andBozeman City Commission to show your support for a wonderful sportspark. I encourage you to cast your support to fund at the greatest levelpossible a high quality sports park that will reflect a commitment toour youth that will be a source of pride for our city.
Sincerely,Erika Cannon2247 Bucks Run Ct.Bozeman, MT 59715