Letter: This is a vision for community we can embrace

Although I have lived in Canada for the past 40-plus years, I’m proud to call River Falls my hometown.

Since my retirement three years ago I have come back as often as I can. This time I returned for the entire summer.

One of the highlights of this visit was attending the games and following the fortunes of the Fighting Fish baseball team. Watching the Fish win the state championship this weekend was a hoot.

Traveling to Osceola for the playoff games and to Coon Valley for the state tournament served as a reminder of what makes “town” baseball special.

These relatively small communities have lovely ballparks (with lights!). The price of admission was just $3 and the concession stand sold traditional ballpark fare at a fraction of the price you would pay at a major league stadium.

Their business philosophy is a lot like our beloved Falls Theatre.

When entertainment is wholesome and affordable it means families can enjoy it together. It means seniors and persons of limited means can have a good time without it costing an arm and a leg. And when people gather at a ballpark to cheer for their local heroes, they fraternize with their neighbors and strengthen the bonds that make us a community.

It is a thing of beauty if you stop to think about it.

I understand the city will soon address the issue of whether to build a lighted stadium in Hoffman Park. The easy response is to dismiss the proposal as impractical and too extravagant in these tough economic times.

However, if one takes a longer view, a ballpark for the Fish might well lay the groundwork for another community treasure that will further distinguish this city as one of the most livable places on God’s green Earth.

Tags: opinion, letters, baseball