The calling of a special UA Board meeting today indicates the university will make a proposal for use of the Ray Winder Field property. The city has set a deadline today for redevelopment of the former minor league baseball park. Some baseball fans want to retain the rundown facility as a baseball field for youth sports. The best idea is from the Little Rock Zoo. It would take the land for expansion of the landlocked and popular facility for adequate grounds for an elephant breeding program. UA, believe it or not, is about to run out of room to expand UAMS, so presumably its idea is to use the property in that context.

What do I have against baseball? Nothing. But LR already struggles to maintain existing baseball facilities. The minor league park is a dump waiting to happen. It’s far more of a facility than youth baseball needs. It also would lie fallow much of the year. If we are to have a zoo worthy of the name — and the city seems committed to that over the long haul — it needs more space. It would produce the most enjoyment for the most people, a worthy park goal.

Advertisement

But if none of that works out, I renew my vote for razing the field and installing a track for recreational use and the UALR track team. And certain senior walkers/discus throwers.

INSTANT SURVEY: Vote at this link on your preferred use of Ray Winder.

Advertisement

Go here to keep up with voting.

And here’s the UAMS proposal to buy the land for parking.

Advertisement

Summary of four proposals received Monday on the jump. Also, at the end, the summary of one of the baseball proposals.

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article Bush fiddled … Next article The old crystal ball