After learning about the condition of and problems with the Galen Blackmore Stadium, it seems a given that a new stadium is necessary.

The safety of fans and adequate facilities for the players should be of concern to everyone, football fan or not.

A number of teams use that facility from little league to Butler Community College, and all ages in between, so it would be put to good use. Especially, considering our national championship football team, a good facility should be something in which the community would take pride. It also has been said it could bring some more competitions to El Dorado that are currently hosted elsewhere.

I only hope common sense continues to guide the discussions as to what is needed in the new stadium facility. It seems a good idea to include a track in the facility as well because of the opportunities that would open up.

I do have one concern though – hopefully one that will be addressed as the committee continues to evaluate the three sites selected.

It would be a shame to lose the American Legion Golf Course to put in the stadium. Then they are simply trading one amenity for another.

With the variety of things El Dorado has to offer — the drive-in, bowling alley, movie theater, skating rink, art museum, parks and lake, to name a few — we should continue to maintain and improve these quality of life attractions.

While I'm not an avid golfer, I do own a set of clubs and like to make it out occasionally. Without the Legion golf course, I would no longer be able to play without joining the Prairie Trails Golf and Country Club. I know the Country Club has a number of members and have been told they have a nice course, I don't play often enough to make it worthwhile to purchase a membership. So without a public golf course, I would sadly have to hang up my golf clubs, as I could only imagine others might as well.
If a decision was reached to make the country club course public and everyone was in agreement, that may work. Let's just not abandon the public course, one of the things that makes El Dorado a great place to live, without thoroughly examining how the loss would affect our community.