We built stadiums for the rich; we can build fields, courts, pools, stages and programs for our community as well

Minneapolis and St. Paul are blessed with the ability to host world-class events such as the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Games, Final Fours for both men and women, MLS All-Star Games, Big Ten Championships, and more. These amazing events occurred because of a series of innovative and controversial agreements that built the necessary facilities that attracted those events.

With these agreements, amazing facilities such as U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, Target Center, and Xcel Energy Center along with many other projects arose and attracted millions of visitors who ate, drank, and settled in our downtown and surrounding establishments during production. Great benefits for our sports, hospitality and event companies and area profile. These successful ventures have produced significant returns. We had a wonderful opportunity to pay off the public debt out of the US Bank court years ahead of schedule. As this was a boon to some in the area, the general benefit was limited. Please remember that these facilities are publicly funded, owned, and leased by the entities of our sporting organization.

Therefore, this next order should not come as a shock to anyone and should provide an arm’s length boost for all families and children in Minneapolis. If Minnesota and Minneapolis clear the debts of the state and the city, then the city should keep the fund that created those and build first-class local playgrounds, courts, pools, stages, and programs for our youth.

If we can spend billions to build those world-class facilities, we can certainly build facilities in our neighborhoods with a fraction of that money and achieve a greater societal impact.

Susan Doe Feb. 18 condition The reporting of problems in existing fields and the calls parents are making for a Title IX investigation in Minneapolis highlight the desperate state of our community’s infrastructure. One that is hindering the development of an appropriate program and quality experience for our youth and members of our community.

It is not about building fields, stadiums, pools or dream stages. It is about providing the necessary support through better facilities and programs to nurture those dreams and aspirations.

Our inaction is causing Minneapolis to lose thousands of families and children at an alarming rate to rent schools, private communities, and suburbs, because they don’t believe their dreams can be realized in their neighborhoods.

guide? The percentage of families living in Minneapolis has decreased by 25% in the past 35 years. Similarly, the number of students in Minneapolis public schools has declined by 32% over the past 20 years. As a result, less than half of school-age children in Minneapolis attend Minneapolis public schools. half.

This commitment to facilities and amenities will also lead to a great economic stimulus in every neighborhood of the city. Local businesses, workers and residents will feel the direct economic impact as new facilities and activities are built in our backyards by our neighbors.

This fortunate moment, away from the darkness of COVID-19, school closures and academic slippage, the murder of George Floyd and subsequent civil unrest, gives us an incredible opportunity to build spaces, hope and opportunity for our children at a critical time.

Call your legislator and have them pay off your state and city playground debts and let us build our dream fields, courts, ponds and stages for kids and families.

Brett Buckner, Mike Tate, and Pat Smith are all Minneapolis residents who work on youth programs.