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Eugene debates future of historic Civic Stadium

The Eugene (Oregon) School Board, scrapped for cash, is considering whether or not to tear down historic Civic Stadium in favor of multiuse recreational fields.

The Eugene (Oregon) School Board, scrapped for cash, is considering whether or not to tear down historic Civic Stadium in favor of multiuse recreational fields.

By tearing down the former home of Pacific Coast League and Northwest League ball, the school district would save on maintenance costs on the historic ballpark, which opened in 1938. A group, Save Civic Stadium, has been formed to raise funds for a renovation of the facility.

It doesn't sound like the school board is very interested in renovating the ballpark, however. Last night the school board opened the topic to public comments, and while most of the public comments were in favor of renovation, the school-board members were mostly talking about the need to raise money in the face of looming deficits.

Part of the talk is an ill-informed bluff, however: while the school board in the past had talked about selling the ballpark land to a developer, a deed establishing the ballpark probably would prevent that: it specifies that the land be used for "recreational purposes." We'd be surprised if a lawsuit didn't arise if the ballpark site was sold for development.

There's also the chance the Eugene Emeralds (short season; Northwest League) may end up back at the iconic ballpark as well if it's renovated: the team's lease at PK Park is only for two seasons.

Civic Stadium is on our list of Endangered Ballparks.

RELATED STORIES: Group proposing renovation of Civic Stadium; Ems poised for PK Park move — but it may not be permanent

 

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