In the movie Field of Dreams they said 'build it and they would come'. It was a great movie, especially if you are a baseball fan.
We see that the city of Birmingham is hoping that logic is true as leaders look to raise taxes to build a new football stadium downtown. Long gone are the hopes of Birmingham building a dome field to replace the aging Legion Field.
This past Saturday, state officials gathered at Claude D. Kelley State Park, which we all know as Little River State Park, that encompasses both Escambia and Monroe counties in Alabama.
For many it was a great day. State and local officials have made 'pledges' to keep the state park open for people to enjoy. They are taking baby steps. Our understanding is for the time being it will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays. Future plans are to have the park open 24-7 with RV parking, hiking, fishing and all the good things people like to enjoy at a state park.
For the past decade or so, the park has been on life support. State funding has not been there to keep the facilities up-to-date.
What we saw Saturday was a commitment from the state of Alabama and the county commissions in Escambia and Monroe counties to keep this jewel of a park open for the public at a minimal cost.
We don't have a crystal ball, but we do know if the people don't utilize the park it may one day cease to exist.
A lot of work needs to be done at the park, so we're flipping the phrase – 'come and we will build it'.
In our opinion, the state park is now in the hands of the citizens. Use it, and money to make it work will come. Don't use it and we'll be back to where we started.
