What will become of the Knox Street baseball fields?

It’s a question that Troy’s elected officials must decide, and it’s a

question we believe will pose a difficult dilemma for some.

The baseball fields, located on the corner of North Three Notch and Knox

streets, have been home to generations of baseball players in Troy. For

years, children have learned the lessons of life on the red dirt of Knox and

McGehee fields.

But this season, several incidents – including one that involved gunfire – at or near the fields have prompted the city officials to suspend play at

Knox Street, at least for the remainder of the season.

The games – most played by boys ages 5 to 9 – have been moved temporarily

to the Sportsplex on Enzor Road.

Whether they remain at the Sportsplex will

depend on the fate of the Knox Street fields.

We think the games should be moved permanently to the Sportsplex. The city invested heavily in this recreational complex – an impressive center by anyone’s standards – and we need to utilize that investment. All children – boys or girls, rich or poor, black or white – should have the opportunity to play at the Sportsplex, and play there on a regular basis. And we believe

much is to be gained in community spirit, efficiency and utilization of

resources by moving these leagues’ play to the Sportsplex.

But, like many leaders, we don’t believe the Knox Street fields should be abandoned. Instead, we would like to see the fields become a public park,

with both ballfields and grassy areas and play equipment. The park has long

served the city of Troy, and the neighborhood, and we believe its spirit should continue, even if its time has passed as a primary ballfield.

Ultimately, though, the council members will decide the fate of Knox Streets’

fields, and we believe the residents of Troy should have a voice in that

decision. We encourage each of you with an opinion to call your council member – or any of the council members – to share that opinion. Their

contact numbers are listed at the far right of this page.

We believe they should listen to the voice of the public as they make this

critical decision.  

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