Few patches of land in Adams County have touched as many lives as the dirt at Chester Willis Field.

The baseball field at Liberty Park has been, and is still, the home to baseball games for Cathedral School, Trinity Episcopal School and Natchez High School.

It even served for one season as home to the Alcorn State University baseball team.

Summer leagues, youth leagues and special events have also called the infield home.

The field, stands and small buildings have served their time. And they show it.

But without serious plans for a comprehensive recreation complex, Natchez and Adams County can’t let go of Chester Willis yet.

The county is ready to spend $7,000 to fix up bathrooms, clean up the concession stand and make the facility handicapped accessible.

Though we don’t like it because it’s a Band-Aid for the bigger problem, for now, however, it is $7,000 that needs to be spent.

Without a recreation plan on the table for the public to see, scores of ball players, their families and their friends have nothing to hope for except a spruced up Chester Willis Field.

This $7,000-Band-Aid needs a real recreation plan right along with it.