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Local sports officials say complex needed
Published Sunday, June 22, 2008
NATCHEZ — For years, politicians, coaches and citizens have talked of building a new youth sports complex.
In an article from June 2001 in the Natchez Democrat, current mayor-elect Jake Middleton, who was then the Ward 6 Alderman and chairman of the recreation committee had said “We’ve sat on this thing long enough. It’s time to move and I’m ready to move.”
Middleton has long been a proponent of building a recreation complex, and now that he’s the mayor-to-be, maybe he’ll have the authority to get progress made.
Once upon a time there was even a plan to build a complex next to Natchez High. That plan, however fizzled.
Since then, local fields have been improved or slightly fixed, but that dream complex is still non-existent.
Over the years, officials let other projects take precedence over the construction of new fields, such as a city auditorium and a convention center.
“In my opinion, the politicians have sold us down the river,” Dixie Youth National Director of Mississippi Clarence A. Bowlin Jr. said. “(Former mayor) Butch Brown had built a convention center. They’d make more money off of a recreation center than a convention center.”
Bowlin went on to say he’s happy the convention center is here, but he would have preferred a recreation complex more.
In theory, both a convention center and a recreation complex would have a similar effect on Natchez.
They are meant — from a financial perspective — to bring tourism to Natchez. Out-of-towners would stay in Natchez hotels, eat Natchez food and possibly even shop in Natchez shops.
Although a complex would likely help make Natchez more attractive to tournaments, it would also cost money to operate.
While the construction would obviously be costly, Bowlin said he wouldn’t expect the complex to have a high maintenance cost to tax payers.
“I would think the city/county would take care of the maintenance of the field,” Bowlin said. “If they made the field available and paid the light bill and mowed the grass, I don’t think it’d be all that expensive.”
Bowlin wants to see someone in power step up and get something accomplished.
“We don’t seem to be able to get anybody to take the bull by the horns and get us a recreation center,” Bowlin said. “In my opinion, that’s what Natchez needs the most.”
Porky Smith, who is a Dixie Youth commissioner, is more of a realist when it comes to building a complex.
“I would be for it. Anything to upgrade what we’ve got, but there’s a lot of things that need to be done before you can commit to something like that,” Smith said. “The city does a great job of cutting the grass and lining the fields, but you would need someone who was there every day.”
Joe Eidt is another youth baseball official who would be in favor of building a complex, as long as more than just baseball fields were included in the project.
“I definitely think we need one,” Eidt said. “I’ve been on the recreation committee since ’93 and that’s been one of our goals.
“But also, I’m in favor of not only ball fields, but soccer fields and improved recreation facilities.
Eidt said he has faith something could get done now that Middleton is mayor.
“Until they make it a priority, it’s just going to continue to get talked about. I have faith Jake will put it on the to-do list.
“I think we need a new complex, regardless of where (Duncan Park) goes. Baseball is comparable here right now (to other facilities), but if we want to do bigger tournaments, we’ll need a new complex.”
Although a new complex is the ultimate goal, Eidt said fixing up Duncan Park’s fields wouldn’t be such a bad idea in the meantime.
“I’m a bit nostalgic, I like the setting of baseball in Duncan Park. It’s a true old-fashioned baseball park,” Eidt said. “I’d like to see these fields upgraded.
How much longer will a sports complex only be a field made of dreams? Time will tell.
Comments
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 3:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember when people said that adding 9 holes of golf to Duncan Park would bring more tourists. Has anyone yet put the figures together on that one? As it was done, a huge amount of public land was taken for the specific purpose of a prissy sport which only some people enjoy and appreciate. I hate to see that happen again. It should be good for most everyone or good for the local economy. Simply pleasing the hogs lined up at the trough is wrong. I get tired of folks who claim "good for tourism" when its really for nothing more than their own personal wants. If it will truly help us out on a local level, make a plan for it and let's see it.
But I guess I shouldn't complain. I happen to like climbing. Have you noticed that someone at Duncan Park finally catered to me too? Sometimes I even have to wait in line.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 4:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
as a girl who LIVED BREATHED AND DREAMED SOFTBALL with my sisters following it's HIGH TIME FOR BETTER FIELDS REGARDLESS TO WHERE THEY ARE!! i remember being on the BOMBERS (THE NTZ. TOURNMENT TEAM LOL) and we would travel alll over Mississippi... you wouldn't imagine the PEOPLE that had ALSO TRAVELED FROM ALL OVER THE STATE JUST TO ALLOW THEIR CHILDERN TO PLAY IN THESE TOURNMENTS!!
5 or 6 years ago i was introduced to soccer one of my sisters took interest in it ((i could've cared less i knew nothing about it and plus it is played in the chilly part of season i don't like to be cold)anyway she finally got me into going to a game NTZ. HIGH AGAINST CATHERAL!! hahaha SOCCER IS OFF THE CHAIN IT IS AMAZING!!!!! down here on the coast i live 2 mins. away from a really really nice park it has all types of ball fields on it, clean, nice shaded bleachers when needed but what stands out to me even more is the TWO small play grounds they have at each side of this park unlike ntz where kids that aren't playing a sport just walk around bored and wind up getting into mischief, the kids that aren't playing in a sport actually have something to do they can swing slide etc. and it's sooo nice not to have to constantly tell the child no you can't do that or this they have their own play area!!
Posted by Gimmeabreak (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I too played softball in Natchez, I was a Bomber and it broke my heart when they tore our fields down way back when to put up those unnecessary extra holes for golf. As a child, I didnt understand why we had to leave and the baseball fields got to stay. Mind you, I had some great times at Duncan Park watching my little brother and cousins play but I agree-there needs to be more baseball fields-dont tear the old ones down, just make some more. Baseball/softball fields are part of many peoples childhood memories and I still to this day, drive through Duncan Park EVERY time I come home to reminisce:Ballew-Bowlin, Sprague-Goussett, Carroll-Jones, Ah, the memories, I think I can still hear them say: Please bring the foul ball to the concession stand for a free coke! Haha I am always happy to see that the circle swing set is still alive and kicking-many hours spent there.I even park my car at the "pro shop" and look at the golf course holes (that are empty of course) and just sit and think back to when there were softball fields there-I can still see the ouftield fence that my first home run scaled, the orange/pink concession stand, the huge potholes in the asphalt, the pressbox, everything. Then I think about all the summers I spent there and wish somehow I could go back in time. Oops, I have turned this in to a trip down memory lane....sorry, I just grew up in that park!
The children of Natchez need this, do it! I didnt come up during the days of soccer...but I know that it is huge now, Natchez needs as many recreational facilities as it can handle. Find the money and make it happen, what better cause is there than Natchez's children?
One more thing, did anyone grow up having birthday parties at Duncan Park when they had the real Jungle Gym that had the swinging bridge and that was made out of wood-I think I cried real tears when that was taken away and that plastic thing was put up. Also, was anyone else ever the conductor on the train like I was?
Posted by lilredhead (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gimmeabreak---- I remember Duncan Park very well. The playground was the BEST! My grandmother would take me once a week to play. I had a few bday parties there, but my bday is in Nov so it had to be a really nice day! My favorite was the old crappy merry-go-round! I had many a scrap and bruise from that. I also remember climbing in the big old tree. The limbs came all the way to the ground.
buttercup26---- They do have a great complex on the coast, also many other towns in MS have opened new complexes that are able to hold big sporting events from all over the state.
Vidalia is about to get one and I am so excited. It will be great for the kids of this town.
Posted by oldschool (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will believe when Vidalia gets one when I see it. That has been talk for about 10 years now and NOTHING yet. I too have played ball for many years. THE A team in Vidalia and CHARLIES ANGELS, We played against the BOMBERS!! :) Great game by the way. We even stole players from yaw team a few years but anyway. That is what Natchez and Vidalia have for our teens BALL!!!!! NOTHING else. So I agree We need better for our kids. I also wish for a WATER PARK. Now that would be great. You talk about seeing our kids smile! I have a pool and the kids love it, along with a few more I have picked up. This was the best investment I have ever made. I know exactly where my kids are and a few others. They love the water.
Posted by Blasterhappy (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Natchez needs to a take a look across the river and take some notes from Vidalia. When yall can get past the Blue Hair Historical (Hysterical) society and the rich with their own agendas you might actually get something done. But until then yall are welcome to come play over here.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My daughter drove that train a many mile lol....Nothing like the good ole days is it??? That merry go round she got her share of bumps and bruises from that also lol
Posted by ntz155 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Has anyone ever been to Magee? No, it is not much. I would think it is smaller than Natchez, but not sure. They have a multi-million dollar complex. It is probably the nicest one I've seen. I just can not understand how Magee, Ms can have something like this for their KID'S, and all we have is TALK. I think they need to rename the recreation committee.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That little metal merry go round made me sick to my stomach every time I twirled on it. Aaaaah, such sweet memories! lolololol!!! Why in the world did they cut that tree down? What about the canteen? Yall remember that?
I guess everyone's gotten so sue-happy, the kids can't have anything anymore. <<Gimme>>I didn't know they did away with that field to make more holes for golf! What a crock. I'm with OldGrandDad here, too. I'm so sorry they did away with that field for a few more holes on the greens. They took away a field that probably drew more people for one game than played golf the entire day. I guess you'll get whatever those in charge enjoy doing...usually those "in charge" are golfers; the minority. Money talks and %$#$##$%^& walks.
Posted by fatherof4 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Since, people would stay at the motels when they come to the games. Why not add a $2.00 tax to the room charge, to pay for it?
Posted by Gimmeabreak (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yes, yall brought up some other good memories-that merry go round-you had to take a few minutes after that one-it was the best! I was one of those who played for both Natchez and Vidalia-so I have been a Bomber and Angel-we were such fierce rivals back then-with respect for the each other though. Yup, those fields were torn down for golf...but and this is a big but-they did build us a nice complex by Natchez High...but it wasnt the same. Duncan Park was where we came up and it was old-fashioned, there was shade and trees surrounding,,,,here I go again.
Posted by Gimmeabreak (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And just how many dances did I go to at the Canteen...there is no telling....i would love to go back in time for just one day.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((lilredhead)) ((Gimmeabreak)) YES!! the jamborees they would have at duncan park for softball.. my very first year playing they had 'ELVIS' preforming haha and all us llil girls thought we were getting something special when that sweaty man would wipe his face and throw us one of those scarfs (i can still see my aunt just a bugging down while listening to this man play haha) i only got to play on bombers twice but it was awesome! the whole time would huddle up before walking on to a field out of town and we would CHANT as loud as we could walking in. 'WE ARE THE BOMBERS THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOMBERS' haha in hopes to maybe make a team nervous to play us.
speaking of duncan park.. that place has changed sooo much over the years. did ya'll know it was a lake or a large thing of water WAAAAYYY BACK IN THE DAY!! my dad HAS ACTUAL PICTURES OF DUNCAN PARK BEING NOTHING BUT WATER (i would argue him up and down about it not being the park lol)i didn't to much care for that merry go round (it spooked me) but I LOVED THAT HUGE SLIDE! it felt like i was flying down that thing then it hurt soo bad when my butt hit the ground!! i don't care for the way the park is today but my kids love it! only if they would've been able to see it through our eye huh?
TOOT TOOT!! EVERYBODY ABOARD!! haha i thought i was the only one that would drive that train@!!!!
Posted by lilredhead (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The train was the BEST!!!! One of my favorite pics of me and my cousin are of us on that train in our grandfathers welding caps with bandanas around our necks.
Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on June 22, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well now lets see....Land that was going to be used for a ball field complex....Where the old drive - in theater use to be...people squealed like stuck hogs cause they wanted to build a field somewhere other than Duncan Park.. Oh Yea...Land was purchased on Redd Loop Rd... ball fields were in process of being built, OH MY it wasn't in the middle of town, so that project is now an couple of empty fields....Another place that wasn't good enough fo the big wigs running the program back then...Until everyone is willing to give and take and work together, It will not happen.!!
Posted by cyobtaf (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
are there more local sports officials besides the dixie youth admin in this town ?
Posted by MichaelJ (anonymous) on June 23, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I played at Duncan park and it does have the small town baseball nostalgia, and it would be great to modify that area to create something a little different to draw in the teams, but you have the golf course to deal with.
I now live in Hernando, MS and we play at Snowden Grove in Southaven, a 17 field complex that draws in over 2,000 teams in a summer. The Mayor had the vision too and took the leap of faith and it has put alot of money into the area for sure. They have a full time tournament director on staff for the city and the tournaments more than pay for his salary for the year. They host 2-3 World Series in a summer in diferent age groups.
It just takes time and money to do the deal but in the end, if it is promoted and done right, it will pay for itself...
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 24, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sandyman...whatever happened to the Red Loop Rd. ball complex? Do kids play ball there? I forgot that place was built...about 6 or 7 years ago? And it's empty? Goodnight. What a waste! I wonder whose big idea that was?
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on July 11, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
((kpage)) as of two years ago yes the land was still being used.. it looked run down.. not as lively as the fields at duncan park.. but there were little league teams playing dressed in full gear... and they played their hearts out!!
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