Residents Knock Sports Complex Group Tells Recreation Officials Softball Park Near Northpointe Would Draw Rowdy Element

Thu., May 15, 1997

By Kevin Blocker kevinb@spokesman.com

Residents of a north Spokane neighborhood worry that a proposed sports complex will produce traffic problems - and drunken drivers.

The $3.2 million NorthPointe Softball Complex would be built on 34 acres of city park land near the NorthPointe Shopping Center.

Parks department officials say the complex would be privately operated and earn a profit, partly from sales of beer and wine.

That concerns residents, about 30 of whom attended an hourlong meeting with parks officials Wednesday night at Shiloh Hills Elementary School.

“I have three sons approaching driving age,” one woman said. “Noise, traffic, alcohol - how can you do this to us?”

Parks board president Carol Barber said the amount of alcohol consumed at the sports complex could be limited.

Barber, citing examples of softball complexes in Portland, said some facilities have designated drinking-only areas.

North Side residents also questioned city officials about increased traffic and plans to light the complex at night.

One man said he has to be at work by 4 a.m. He wondered if noise and lights from the field would keep him awake.

The man said he moved from the NorthTown Mall area because it was too noisy.

Assistant Parks Director Paul Crutchfield said special lighting would be used to illuminate only the ball fields.

In a show of hands, eight of the residents said they opposed any development of the land near Colton and Howard roads, even though plans include a neighborhood park.

Others said they want the park, but oppose drinking at the sports complex.

Parks and Recreation Director Ange Taylor said the city will ask private companies to submit proposals to build and operate the complex.

That’s the only way it will get built, Taylor said, because the city doesn’t have the money to bankroll the project.

“I understand the concerns,” Taylor said. “But we’re hearing from all over from people who say they want more to do in Spokane.

“Taxpayers are tired of taxes, so we are forced to try and find partnerships to do anything.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: BEER AT ALBI There’s going to be beer sold at Joe Albi Stadium. Service America Corp. received the $350 license from the state Liquor Control Board on April 25. The license allows the sale of beer only during Spokane Shadow soccer games, said Scott Middleton of Service America, food vendor for the team’s events at the stadium. “I paid more for the license than I’ll make on beer,” he said. Beer won’t be sold during high school sports or special events, Middleton said. Maxey Adams, events manager for the city’s entertainment facilities, said beer last was sold at the stadium in the mid-‘80s, when a semi-pro football team played there.

This sidebar appeared with the story: BEER AT ALBI There’s going to be beer sold at Joe Albi Stadium. Service America Corp. received the $350 license from the state Liquor Control Board on April 25. The license allows the sale of beer only during Spokane Shadow soccer games, said Scott Middleton of Service America, food vendor for the team’s events at the stadium. “I paid more for the license than I’ll make on beer,” he said. Beer won’t be sold during high school sports or special events, Middleton said. Maxey Adams, events manager for the city’s entertainment facilities, said beer last was sold at the stadium in the mid-‘80s, when a semi-pro football team played there.