HomeMy WebLinkAboutSports complex Public Comment from Albert Harting 3-14From:Albert Harting
To:Agenda; Jeff Graff
Subject:Bozeman Lacrosse and the proposed Sports Park Facility
Date:Wednesday, March 05, 2014 4:38:18 PM
Greetings,
I am writing to express my support for the proposal to use funds fromthe Trails, Open Space and Parks Bond to construct a Sports Parkfacility worthy of Bozeman. My two sons both got involved in lacrosseseveral years ago and they've bitten into it hard. I confess thatprior to their involvement, I was only vaguely aware of this sport. Hasthat ever changed! It has now become an integral part of my sons' livesand with every season, I am appreciating what a terrific sport it iseven more. It combines a unique set of skills that require both powerand precision, and well-played lacrosse is something to behold. As I'msure you are aware, it is the most rapidly growing sport in both thecountry and right here in Bozeman, where its growth has been nurtured bya very dedicated group of volunteer coaches and, more and more, by agreat many enthusiastic players and parents. It really is remarkablehow rapidly the sport has been embraced and expanded here in just a fewyears.
As we've visited other communities to attend lacrosse tournaments (andprior to that, soccer events), it's become obvious that Bozeman is wellbehind other similar sized towns in supporting and developing adequatefacilities to accommodate these sports. We've managed to make do withthe single dedicated field we now have, but it's woefully inadequate forboth our current and future needs. I anticipate that lacrosse willcontinue its rapid expansion, especially given the projected growth inBozeman and Gallatin County, and it would be a disservice to both thelacrosse players and the community at-large to not plan for that growthby developing the proposed Sports Park. I am certain that these eventscould bring considerable dollars into our community and it would beunfortunate to forfeit that income due to inadequate facilities.
I encourage you to support this initiative. And if you have theopportunity, I encourage you to come out and watch these kids play, andyou'll see why they need and deserve your support!
Sincerely,Albert and Jill Harting