EDITORIAL: Make this dream field a reality

Let’s raise some green for the blue and white.

That’s green as in real money — and in artificial turf.

It’s blue and white for Coeur d’Alene High School, a cornerstone of the community since its inception Jan. 2, 1911.

Viking boosters had already raised more than $1 million in pledges for durable, environmentally friendly turf on the school’s athletics field before they reached out to the general public recently. The overall goal is roughly $1.4 million, which also includes a new video scoreboard and sound system.

Backers are in the home stretch, seeking some $300,000 in support from the community.

The Viking Field of Dreams will be a big plus for CHS’s powerhouse football program, but the package offers much more than that. It will expand and dramatically improve uses for physical education classes, boys and girls soccer, local club soccer and Junior Tackle football.

Thanks to the school’s amazing booster club headed by Rick Rasmussen, none of the added expense is being passed along to taxpayers. The District 271 School Board has embraced the project with kudos to Rick and Company for keeping all the funding voluntary.

Our request for support today goes specifically to two groups: The many thousands of CHS grads who have an opportunity to lend a hand to their alma mater, and to newcomers to the area eager to adopt a positive community project.

Alums, no gift is too small. Hundreds of $5 and $10 donations actually spread the ownership stake around. In a matter of a minute or two, you can put your fingerprints on the upgrade by going to chsvikingboosterclub.com.

Donors can also help the old-fashioned way, by making out a check to Viking Booster Club/Field of Dreams and sending it to 5530 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

And for you big spenders? Mr. Rasmussen would love to hear from you if you have a gift of $5,000 or more in mind. Email him at rrasmussen@nshinc.com and he’ll respond promptly.

One of the hallmarks of North Idaho is residents’ willingness to step up and help out when a worthy community cause arises. Let’s put a bow on this one and color it blue, white and green.