Their ”field of dreams”

Build it and they will come. The kids are already there, waiting for their “field of dreams” to emerge from a weedy vacant lot behind the Boys and Girls Club of Spokane County, at 544 E. Providence Ave.

This dream will become a reality thanks to the generosity of a Spokane couple, who wish to remain anonymous.

After seeing an article in the Voice in February, they decided to donate the approximately $30,000 needed to convert a vacant lot on the 500 block of East Kiernan Avenue into a first-class athletic field.

“We read that they were going to have a spaghetti dinner to try to raise funds. We thought,’Boy that will take awhile. They’ll have to cook a lot of spaghetti. So we thought why not do it? Whatever they want to do is fine with us,” said the wife.

“It’s a good project; it’s a good cause, located in a good neighborhood. It’s all very worthwhile. We believe in what they do. Perhaps it can make a pleasant time for kids,” she said.

She hopes that the project can be completed soon so the children will be able to use the field as the weather improves.

Glenn Bishop, executive director of the club, is also eager for the project to get under way. Debris will be removed, the dirt will be leveled, landscaping will be added, and part of the existing blacktop area will be redone. This will give the kids a place to play soccer, baseball, football and basketball.

Tasi Ross, 8, a second-grader at Longfellow Elementary is looking forward to playing on the new field. “That’s our field of dreams,” said Tasi.

With the new basketball courts and lots of practice, he may realize his dream to become a basketball player at Gonzaga University.

Tasi could often be found at the club after school reading one of his favorite books, “Salt in His Shoes,” a book about Michael Jordan, autographed by its authors, Jordan’s mom and sister. He would sit in Bishop’s office and read to other children.

Tasi said his favorite thing about coming to the club is hanging out with the staff. “If there’s something wrong, you can talk to the staff about it. You know that they care and you can trust them.

“I would like people to know that the club is fun. It’s what it says when you walk in the front door; it’s a positive place for kids.”