KUDOS to Stan Good for his excellent explanation on the cause of the delay for the implementation of the EDA grant for the Civic Center cultural and sports complex. Credit also Governor Palacios and MPLT for greasing the wheels to hopefully get this long-awaited community improvement project moving.
Trusting we achieve lift-off before yet another baseball season passes, I offer two specific recommendations that could easily be absorbed by the budget, both aimed at restoring baseball to its previous heights, the pride of the CNMI, two diamonds shining in the center of Saipan, its heart.
The first is to construct a dedicated little league baseball field with stadium seating, parking and direct access from the north by the Mayor’s Office, or preferably, east from Texas Road. In the same way the Koblerville Training Center swelled the number of kids playing soccer, a beautiful little league ballpark would attract more kids which means families. More children playing sports is always a good thing, something that can be aided by adults here and now.
The second is to eliminate toilets behind home plate at Palacios Field. The time to get rid of the sound of a flush is here. Saipan must have the only ballfield in the world with bathrooms directly behind home plate where everywhere else puts their best seats. Instead of box seats, we have toilet seats. Replacing the restrooms with a small section of comfortable seating would make the experience of watching a game there more enjoyable for fans, families and visitors.
The baseball community is now re-establishing itself after twin typhoon catastrophes with 25 teams currently playing league games. A real little league baseball field and better seating at Palacios Field would be an assist and a hit for so many families. For that reason, I hope this project gets prioritized, fast-tracked and done.
BOB COLDEEN
Saipan, CNMI
