Selling ballfield a mistake

I was saddened and frustrated to hear about the town council and mayor’s decision to sell the Hedlin Ballpark, most of which will be developed into housing. I think this is a tremendous mistake by town leaders that will erase a cherished place for La Conner’s youth citizens. For kids growing up in La Conner the Hedlin Ballpark was the place many of us first learned to play baseball, soccer or failed at attempts to fly a kite. Its pastoral backdrop is seared into our memories along with wads of bubble gum, sunflower seeds and the unforgettable feeling of a bat smacking a baseball. Or in my case, of the baseball hitting me!

In the off season the ballfield provided prime open space for those kids with smaller yards. On a snow day it became a snowball battleground and in the summer the armory changed to squirt guns. More importantly it is not just a ballfield for memories of the past, but it should be a place for future generations to make memories. Kids need a place to learn teamwork and try out sports.

It is the only open green space in town that is not at the schools. It will be an utter shame if this development goes through. What is next, develop the top of Snapdragon Hill? Oh wait that already is happening. In the words of Cat Stevens, “But tell me, where do the children play?” The town council and mayor should be ashamed for selling out the future of our youth. Perhaps it is time for some younger representation in this town?

Charlie Huddleston

Burlington, Washington