Mead School Board Votes ‘No’ On New Park Decision Was Based On Public’s Opposition To The Ballfields

The idea of baseball fields near Meadow Ridge Elementary faded away like a home run over a center-field fence when the Mead school board voted unanimously against the project.

Board members admitted their decision was based on the public’s overwhelming opposition to the ballfields. Members also acknowledged they did not adequately notify residents that they were considering allowing Pony League baseball officials to build a field on a 10-acre site next to the school.

“We really did not go through the steps we should have,” Mead Superintendent Bill Mester said. “We have never moved to change something in the community without its input.”

Residents near the park were pleased with the board’s decision last week.

“I agreed with what they said,” said Meadow Ridge resident Darrin Neal. “We heard about the project through a neighbor. We were like, ‘Wow, this is new to us.”’

Parents, angered by plans calling for adult-size baseball diamonds, lighting and a concession stand, fought hard to squash the proposed park.

The school district owns the 10-acre site and planned to lease it to the baseball group before neighbors objected.

The district withdrew its support for the project in April, but during the summer, opened the matter back up for public discussion.

Neighbors were concerned about increased traffic, noise, litter, stadium lights and the possible sale of beer.

Pony League baseball is a nonprofit organization for youngsters in kindergarten through eighth grade. No smoking or alcohol is allowed during games.

The concession building, according to Pony League spokesman Rick Gumke, would have been for restrooms and to sell “cheap family hot dogs or popcorn.”

Baseball officials approached the Mead district about the idea last year.

“Pony baseball had my unbridled support,” board member Mary Jane Thompson said. “But I failed to anticipate the opposition.”

Still, Thompson didn’t believe neighbors were as receptive as they could have been when baseball officials offered their plans for the land to the public for review.

Thompson apologized to neighbors for numerous misunderstandings, but she also said she thinks the neighborhood missed out on a great opportunity.

“I think an entire community loses on this, especially the kids,” Thompson said.

Board member Tom Hunt said the board “put the cart before the horse.

“I hope never to have to go through that again,” Hunt said.

Gumke said Pony League officials will continue to look for other sites.

“We’re just going to have to meet and see where we can go,” Gumke said. “It seemed like a win-win situation for everybody, but obviously the people of Meadow Ridge didn’t feel the same way.

“We’re still interested in working with any group for any kind of land,” Gumke said. “We need to continue.”

, DataTimes