02-19-2009, 08:10 PM
Snoopy Wrote:WTHS 74 you made an eloquent argument and I appreciate your opinion. I remember playing ball at Edward's field. It was a beautiful park, and it broke my heart to know they had to bulldoze that because of prior soil contamination. ( Can't remember what? Guilty of CRS!)
I know that you know the story of the JM site, to spare us all that drama and disappointment, we find ourselves in our present situation. I am the last of eleven, all of whom were born and raised Waukeganites. Many in favor of the complex, some opposed. Having been involved with Girls Softball in Waukegan for going on 10 years, I have seen beautiful complexes our surrounding communities have built. I have been promised by the likes of fine representatives of the Park District, such as Joe Favero and Wayne Motley, for many years that we would have a complex. They would tell me, be patient, Shawn, we have a plan in the works. I believe the referendum, one that I voted for, happened 10-12 years ago, when the District saved the course from certain home developement, thus giving the Orchard Hills course a few more years. All of this genuine love of this course, yet it was not profitable, and nothing but arguements at the end to try to save her?
I sure do not wish to instigate a deeply rooted feeling that many are passionate about, and respect yours. I can tell you I am a very bad golfer and love the game. I also believe it is a shame to lose an option to play golf so close to home. I also believe that it is a shame that every city surrounding us, up and down the North Shore invites my teams and our organization to their complex, but I am unable to reciprocate their generosity and hospitality.
To the many that have an opposing view of mine, I wish not to offend. Just letting you that others have feelings, just as you have, trying to do better for our future Waukeganites, and give them a place they could be proud of.
Wayne, I appreciate your passion about this matter, and remember the promise you and Joe made many years ago.
I have seen your posts on this subject before and I sympathize. I think other land can be found for baseball diamonds, this complex though is all about soccer fields to be used mostly by those that do not pay taxes to the district.
If given a choice I wouldn't mind turning the course into a nine hole course and the rest baseball diamonds.
Like I said it's done so there isn't much that can be done. Just don't like the attitudes of the "winners" of the issue telling the "losers" to get a life.
Shawn White
Waukegan Girls Softball Association
Waukegan Renegades Travel Softball
(224) 381-2834