SANDPOINT — Shades of kids in spikes and baseball caps, the crack of the bat and shouts from the bleachers fill the atmosphere surrounding Barlow Stadium as surely as the dust of justice swirls around the Bonner County Courthouse. 

Although the joyous memories of Little League games and high school football homecomings at Sandpoint's War Memorial Field are timeless, the ancient covered bleachers are in disrepair. Thus, a much-needed new stadium is part of the game plan for the year ahead, courtesy of the city's 1 percent sales tax. 

"The city of Sandpoint will hold an open house at War Memorial Field on May 11 at 5 p.m. to share final designs and drawings of the new Barlow Stadium and gateway. The architect and design team, community liaisons, project advisors and city staff will be onsite to answer any questions," said Jennifer Stapleton, city administrator, in a press release.

The public is welcome to attend and learn more about the renovation plans. Pending final approval by the City Council on May 18, deconstruction of the old facility will commence after Sept. 17.

"It is anticipated that construction will begin on or about Oct. 3, 2016, and be completed in June 2017 in time for high school graduation," Stapleton said.

Should the open house be rained out, city officials plan to relocate the informational session to council chambers at City Hall, 1123 Lake St.