Dear Mayor Bloem and City Council members,

I have worn many hats at McEuen Field, being a father, a coach, a fan and a player. I have watched my children and your children grow beside the watchful eye of Tubbs Hill. I have shared numerous nights with friends and family under the lights with a warm lake breeze in my face and the hope of a hit in the bottom of the inning to tie the score. I have publicly stood before the community and its leaders to vocalize the benefits this public park brings to its neighbors and its youth. It is the youth that I am the most protective of and a youth community program that is Coeur d'Alene American Legion Baseball.

For more than 50 years, this program has had the privilege to call McEuen its home field. I acknowledge the privilege bestowed upon us, not by any written agreement or entitlement, but by the shared understanding of its value resulting from this win-win relationship. By McEuen Field being "The Home of the Lumbermen," this community based youth program has responded to this sense of ownership by providing the following benefits to the city of Coeur d'Alene.

First, every player signs a contract before receiving a uniform that acknowledges the understanding of a Code of Conduct expected from each and every player. This code ensures the respectful representation of Coeur d'Alene as we host the hundreds of players and spectators who visit our community each year. This ambassadorship is then taken on the road both locally and nationally where it is then displayed not only on the field but also acknowledged through sportsmanship awards received. Also, being a voluntary, community based program overseen by its Board of Directors, we maintain and improve the field and its amenities each and every year at little or no cost to the city. We believe that the players should share in the maintenance of their home field and so they do.

When asked why my son should play Legion Baseball rather than choosing a Spokane Select team, my response usually includes the importance of being a part of something greater than yourself. Not only do these players represent their city, but they also represent American Legion Post 14. These men and women are veterans who have served this country and share with the challenges the players experience on the field. As a player, these young men become a part of history that connects them with past players, parents and supporters. They become part of the Legion family and are welcomed when their travels take them into places like the Sports Cellar or Everson's Jewelry.

Coeur d'Alene American Legion Baseball also contributes to the economy of the local merchants. An example can be taken from the latest Fourth of July Tournament where one of three pods were hosted in Coeur d'Alene for the 72 teams that played here. The 24 teams from around the country who were lucky enough to be chosen for our pod, generated 384 players who, with parents and siblings, required more than 1,100 people to eat, sleep and shop here in Coeur d'Alene for three full days. An estimated $115,000 was absorbed into the economy for one weekend of baseball.

For those reasons stated and many too lengthy to mention here, I ask the leaders of this community, who are the stewards of our public parkland, to acknowledge the community good that comes out of programs such as these and act to provide for their continued success. I ask that a dedicated field for Coeur d'Alene American Legion Baseball be provided. I ask that the history and experience once provided by the city for this program is also a part of its future. I ask that if Coeur d'Alene American Legion Baseball is asked to relocate, that the city provides a site so that the Legion experience is equal or better. If this experience cannot be continued on McEuen Field, then I ask that we be relocated to Memorial Field. On these fields, the youth of today are becoming the community leaders of tomorrow. Please set the example of what public trust means and what great leaders do.

CHARLIE ROAN

Coeur d'Alene American Legion Baseball Vice-President