If you build it, they will come In the movie “Field of Dreams”, the vision of an Iowa farmer is to build a baseball diamond in the corn field behind his house. The story plays out in a scene of players of years past gathered on that field. For 67 years, Legion Stadium has been the place for many B. B. Comer and Sylacauga High athletes to live out their dreams. The stadium was built because of the vision and partnership of both schools and various community organizations. This partnership was symbolized when the bands from both schools played the “Star Spangled Banner” at the stadium dedication on November 12, 1948. Since then, the stadium has been host to great football teams including the 1954 and 1969 state-champion Sylacauga High teams, the 1990 B. B. Comer semi-final team, and the 1995 B. B. Comer state runner-up team. It has played host to boxing matches, revivals, and Easter sunrise services. One of its most poignant occasions was a celebration that honored military veterans including Lieutenant General James W. Crysel. Now the time has come for our community and schools to partner and renovate our “field of dreams” and create an even more memorable experience for our student athletes and supporters. On November 25th, the Sylacauga Board of Education approved a resolution requesting that the Sylacauga City Council authorize an election to extend the 9.5 mill tax for an additional 25 years after it is set to expire in 2024. Why is it necessary to extend this tax so early and what does that have to do with a stadium renovation? The citizens of Sylacauga approved the 9.5 mill property tax in May 2000 for the purpose of building Nichols-Lawson Middle School. If the citizens vote to extend the tax, the Board will take advantage of historically low interest rates and refinance its debt on Nichols-Lawson, saving over $1 million. We could then use those savings with additional new money and a partnership with Talladega County Schools to complete renovations to Legion Stadium. Simply put, the vote is to extend a tax that we already pay; it would not be a tax increase. The plans for our “field of dreams” will include new seating in, and a brick facade around, the existing foundation of the home side bleachers; a newly designed entry portico; an expanded home press box and new sound system; a new concession stand and portico adjacent to the home bleachers; a refurbished corridor that corrects water drainage; and refurbished bathrooms under the bleachers. The visitor’s side will have a new entrance and sidewalks at the south end zone; a new concession stand; a press box; bathrooms; and new dressing rooms that will also be used by our soccer and track teams. The stadium will also feature a new playing surface. Outside the stadium will be a new parking lot behind the north end zone, and lights and scoreboard on the soccer field. Our plan would be to begin the work at the conclusion of the 2015 football season and be ready for action the following football season. The Sylacauga Board of Education has worked diligently to utilize the property tax devoted to capital projects in a responsible manner. In addition to a wonderful middle school facility, we have new gymnasiums at our elementary schools; and a new classroom addition, offices, and soon-to-be renovated gymnasiums and library at the high school. The Board recently finalized a contract to purchase the Frontier Bank building and renovate it for a new central office. The Board’s decision to do this instead of constructing a new building will save the system an estimated $1 million. The money that is saved will provide an opportunity for additional renovations at the high school including a new audio/visual system in the auditorium. All of this work will be completed within the budgeted funds allocated for the projects in 2010. A vote to extend this tax will accomplish two things; complete a renovation at Legion Stadium and provide a long-term source of funds for future capital needs. No one in Sylacauga will pay more taxes since this is not a new tax. As I travel Broadway Avenue through Sylacauga, I can already envision Legion Stadium with its new look. This historical landmark will be the “field of dreams” that our community desires. Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:00:00 +0000
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