Outdoor sports complex needed in Cedar Rapids

By Tod Hilgenkamp
The Gazette - Letter to the Editor
May 25, 2008

 As a youth coach in the Cedar Rapids area for several years, it has become evident that this community is in desperate need of additional sports facility space (indoor gyms and outdoor fields) for recreational and club sports use. The ability to hold practices and schedule games is becoming increasingly more difficult. Schools and the city are doing what they can to provide gym space and field time to those clubs that need it, but demand is still outpacing the supply.

The time is due for a new sports complex in our community. Not only will this provide for the youths, if done right it could also provide a venue for highprofile tournaments (soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, wrestling, etc.) that would bring outside money into the area for hotels, restaurants and shopping.

As one of the Fifteen in 5 initiatives for improving the quality of life in the area, Cedar Rapids and Linn County are conducting a study on a state-of-the-art community/recreation center that could possibly fulfill these needs. Make yourself heard at one of their open houses scheduled for June 4 and 5. Specific information can be found at www.playinlinncounty.org

Cedar Rapids used to be called the “sports capital” of the Midwest — let’s not lose that reputation.