Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – “We have to look at plan B at this point.” Those are the words of Springfield Lucky Horseshoes’ Chief Storyteller Jamie Toole referring to the Shoe’s lease with the Springfield Park District for Robin Roberts Stadium.

Maintenance and improvements at the nearly 100-year-old ballpark are the issues. Toole said he informed the Park District about 19 field lights being out, and 30 days later the lights still have not been fixed. He added the Prospect League Commissioner pointed out the lighting issue while attending a game this season.

Lights are not the only issue. New LED lighting and improved field turf would “likely change the trajectory of the ballpark for the future.” Toole said it would open up opportunities for the stadium to be rented out for other events like band competitions, soccer practices, lacrosse games and flag football.

The team is currently in year three of a five-year contract with the Park District. “Ideally, by the time that expires we’d like to see a transition into a different government agency.” Toole said perhaps the City of Springfield, Sangamon County or even the school district would be interested in taking over ownership of the stadium.

He said the team is making this situation public because “they have exhausted every effort with the Park District staff,” and he feels there is a “lackluster approach” to the facility.

Park District Executive Director Derek Harms provided Capitol City Now with the following statement: “The Park District declines to engage the Shoes in a negative public format. Alternatively, we have been and will continue to focus on more productive efforts including working cooperatively with the Shoes to help make their games and events successful.”

“Baseball is so much about history and tradition, and it makes me cringe to think about any other option beside this ballpark,” said Toole who added that the team could investigate other locations to call home, but he reiterated it is not his preference.