Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The head of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes says he remains optimistic that something will be done about what otherwise might be considered deferred maintenance at Robin Roberts Stadium.

Chief Storyteller Jamie Toole wants the owner — the Springfield Park District — to either make a number of repairs to things like turf and storm drainage, or transfer ownership of the stadium to the city, which would then be asked to turn it over to the newly-formed “Friends of Robin Roberts Stadium.”

This, after the Springfield Park Board heard from the public on the matter Wednesday night.

“It doesn’t need to be controversial or adversarial,” said Toole, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.  “I think we recognize some limitations to what resources the Park District has, and I think we want to offer an off-ramp to Robin Roberts.”

While the Park District has not responded to requests by WTAX and CapitolCityNow for comment on the matter, a Park District document obtained by WTAX indicates in each of the last four years as of April 30th, despite making some stadium improvements, the park district has lost at least $220,000 on stadium operations — closer to $300,000 when capital expenditures are figured in.

Financial figures regarding Robin Roberts Stadium
Financial figures regarding Robin Roberts Stadium. (Springfield Park District, obtained by WTAX through a source.)

“In doing research, they (the park district) get about $300,000 a year for Robin Roberts through a tax levy that the city sent over back in 2002.  They also get $300,000 for Chamberlain Park that’s shuttered,” said Toole.  “Our concern is the repairs and maintenance.  There is no preventative maintenance plan.”

According to our news partners at WAND-TV, one Park Board member believes most on the board would support a transfer of ownership.  Toole says it would be the best solution.

“We’re not asking for $1 in taxpayer money,” said Toole.  “We’re going to…ask the Park District to take their $300,000 in savings and help some of these other recreational fields around the community that need a lot of work.  We’ve certainly recognized they have a lot of facilities and not enough resources.  When you’re in that position, one of two things has to happen:  you need less facilities, or more resources.  In our opinion, this is a win for the park board.

No word on if or when the Springfield Park Board may take up any proposal regarding Robin Roberts Stadium, or if they’re going to just do all the work Toole says is needed.