To the Editor:
Thomson Township voters on Sept. 15 will determine the fate of a proposal to repair, renovate and expand the Esko athletic complex. From the viewpoint of an unabashed supporter, here are some things to consider:
- When the community last recognized the need for a new athletic complex in about 1970, the township's population was 3,322. The Census Bureau's estimated township population in 2008 was 5,220. From all indications, it will continue to grow.
- When it opened in 1973, the Canosia Road complex and its grass surface met the community's and school's basic needs for football and track. At the time, most folks in Thomson Township couldn't tell a soccer ball from a kumquat.
- Thirty-seven years later, the track is below minimum standards for training and safety, the football field is plagued by irrigation and drainage problems, the stands are rickety (and not handicap-accessible), the portable johns an embarrassment, the lighting inferior, the parking lot often a mess. (Compost happens.)
- The new complex not only features a synthetic-turf football field, a modern track and field complex, baseball and softball diamonds, paved parking and other essentials (real restrooms!), it also wisely incorporates existing space to meet the burgeoning demands of youth soccer - yes, soccer's soaring.
- In 1973, outdoor sports in Esko meant, for the most part, football and track. Today, about 450 junior and senior high students participate in Esko athletic programs and about 1,000 boys and girls are off the couch and actively engaged in youth programs.
- While these are hard times economically, contractors know only too well that this is a buyer's market for construction projects. Costs, and bids, will rise sharply after the recession - in other words, there will be no better time to do this job than now.
Since approving the bond issue in 1919 that created our school district, four generations of Esko voters have understood that quality education is essential. This is a special place, renowned for excellence in and out of the classroom. I hope on Sept. 15 we uphold our rich tradition by voting YES.
Davis Helberg, Esko
