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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sandpoint residents consider sales tax increase to refurbish Barlow Stadium

Sandpoint residents will vote Tuesday on a proposed 1 percent sales tax increase to finance refurbishing Barlow Stadium at War Memorial Field.

The measure needs 60 percent support to pass.

The wooden bleachers and press box were built in 1946. The city condemned parts of the press box a decade ago, allowing some repairs to other parts so the high school could continue to use it for football and soccer.

“We’re at the end of its life cycle,” Sandpoint athletic director Kris Knowles said. “One way or another, it’s coming down. It’s definitely seen its glory days.”

Officials hope the measure, which would have a five-year span, will raise $3 million.

“The feedback I’ve been getting is very good,” Knowles said. “Anytime you throw the word tax out there you get the naysayers. But the people I talk to value Memorial Field, the setting, the location.”

It’s one of the most idyllic settings for an athletic complex, which includes a baseball field, in the region. It sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. The city also uses the stadium for the annual Festival at Sandpoint in August.

“It benefits the city as much as it does us,” Knowles said.

If passed, Knowles said the old bleachers would be torn down and construction would begin following conclusion of the football season. The goal is to be done for use next fall, Knowles said.

The plan also includes a new field surface – either natural grass or artificial, Knowles said.

“It’s yet to be determined what that will be,” Knowles said.

If the measure fails “the alternative is not very good,” Knowles said.

Uncovered metal bleachers would be brought in and there wouldn’t be a press box.

“There’d be no guarantee of hosting state football playoff games,” Knowles said.

The new facility will be reminiscent of the current setup, Knowles said. There’s home seating for 900 now; covered seating would expand to 1,500.

“For a 4A school with 1,000 kids, 140 kids in the football program, soccer and baseball – it would be a tragedy for a community like ours not to have a stadium,” Knowles said. “We considered a lot of options. It’s not the most expensive option. It’s not the Taj Mahal, but it’ll last another 70 years.”

If the stadium isn’t done by next fall, football games would be played at the home of the scheduled opponents, Knowles said. There are two other fields in town where soccer can be played.

“If we have that situation we’re OK with it,” Knowles said. “It’s a one-year problem for a 70-year solution.”