Donation to expand Spirit Lake park

SPIRIT LAKE - A local anonymous donor has given Spirit Lake $38,780 to develop a newly expanded ball field.

The city and Urban Renewal Agency recently split the $76,000 cost to expand the field at the end of Jefferson Street from 4 acres to 8.25 acres.

"This is great news for the whole community," Mayor Todd Clary said. "This fits really well with the acquisition of the property."

Clary said the donor made two requests - that the park be named Volunteer Park to reflect the spirited giving nature of Spirit Lake residents and that the money be used for park improvements.

The expansion will allow the site, which hasn't had a name, to have at least three and possibly four fields. Currently there's one field, a practice area and an old concession stand.

Specific improvements for the complex haven't been determined, but they may include a concession stand, fencing, bleachers, improved parking and playground equipment.

"We want to make the park more user friendly," Clary said.

Clary said an architect, who he declined to name, has agreed to design the complex for free.

Improvements are expected to start this spring as weather allows.

Marc Kroetch, who is on the parks board, called the donation "amazing."

"It tells you that there's still money out there," Kroetch said. "You just have to touch the right people the right way."

A check-pass ceremony with the donation will kick off Saturday's second annual Winter Fun Fest on Maine Street at 11 a.m.

Timberlake Little League, which has used and helped maintain the park, has been searching for more space for fields. Additional fields are needed, said Michael Johnson, a league commissioner.

"Our league covers a huge area from Bayview to Blanchard and from Twin Lakes to the county line," Johnson said. "So we're spread out on fields all over. Last year we had four teams in the Majors and six in the Minors all vying for two fields, so it was always difficult to get field time."

Johnson said the league remains in negotiations with the Idaho Department of Lands to lease a 20-acre site in Athol for future fields. The local IDL office likes the idea and is seeking approval from Boise.