Ballpark needs work

Sun., Nov. 20, 2005

The Spokesman-Review

In the past few weeks it has come to my attention that the Spokane Indians baseball park, Avista Stadium, is in dire need of state funds to repair it.

Workers have estimated roughly $8 million will be needed to fully repair the stadium. If Avista doesn’t get the funds in the next six to eight years, it may be forced to shut its gates forever. Avista Stadium should be rewarded money for maintenance.

The Spokane Indians have always been a helping hand for local charities and organizations, including the Children’s Miracle Network, Spokane Youth Baseball and other significant organizations. If the Indians were to close, these charities’ budgets would drop substantially.

During the three-month season, the Indians have 50-60 game-day staff, along with 10-15 full-time workers. The ballpark serves as a way for high school and college students to have a job apart from the fast-food chain.

With the new gas tax and other organizations that are funded with millions of excess funds, why not help out the Spokane area and keep the stadium around?

Chris Ackerman

Spokane Valley

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Ballpark needs work

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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