The recent Front Porch included an article discussing the proposed sports complex in section 10. The article discusses the plans for the 46 plus acre plot of land which is supposed to house a multi-use sports complex. There are no specific plans for the fields at this time, but there is some discouraging information available.
First of all, the space has already shrunk from the originally planned 60-80 acres in the Green Book, to the 46 acres. “The last thing I am going to count on is a sports complex actually being built,” said resident Zach Tisdale. “The fact that Forest City is already backpedaling on this lets me know that I shouldn’t count on this. I mean, look at the originally planned 26th Ave. park that was proudly advertised until all of the Eastbridge homes were sold.” Other residents share the concern that the current plan will continue to change until little is actually used as originally planned. “If they have already cut down the size of the space by 20%, what’s going to happen when they actually start developing that parcel?” asks Brenna Street. “I’m guessing by the end of this thing it will end up being a pocket park with a back stop.”
The second concern with residents and developers is that the project is currently unfunded, which mostly means it’s not prioritized. “We have tried to make this point clear in the past,” said Forest City Spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “Open space, parks, and fields don’t make money. Retail, residential, gas stations, those are the things that make money. It sometimes feels like the Stapleton residents are not concerned with Forest City making money. Sure we make a billion dollars a year, but who’s to say that can’t be two billion? Come on people, help us out.” The lack of funding is a reason for residents to be concerned. “Not having any money going to the project is not a good sign,” said resident Mark Sellers. “This already has the feel of the town center, 26th Ave., the third school, etc. I’ve gotten to the point where I can’t get excited until a project is completed.”
]]>