Need more athletic facilities

I am writing this letter in support of the proposed sports complex at Riverstone in Coeur d’Alene. As the head women’s basketball coach at North Idaho College, I can’t emphasize enough the need for more athletic facilities.

Currently, we have one court shared by basketball teams, volleyball, wrestling and all our outdoor sports when the weather doesn’t allow them to practice outside. In addition, the gym court is used by NIC physical education classes and intramural sports teams. Each team barely receives a two-hour block for practice each day. There is no time for individual skill improvement that players so drastically need.

In the summer, it is not always possible to receive a week to dedicate to running a youth camp. This has a huge impact because camp provides important fundraising for us as well as a way to impact the region’s youth in a positive way.

Coeur d’Alene has become a hub of activity in recent years. The city needs a facility that can bring economic impact to the area. A facility that can host large competitive tournaments in most sports as well as the outstanding championship athletic programs from North Idaho College.

Chris Carlson

Coeur d’Alene