Ben Strand/ Winonan
After lengthy discussion and review, Winona State University decided to withdraw its proposal to the City of Winona requesting to lease and make improvements to Bambenek Field 2 at East Lake Park.
President Olson said the purpose of the proposal was to concoct an all-inclusive solution that would not only benefit the university, but the community as well.
“We [believe] strongly in the benefits of the community and hoped the idea would be widely embraced,” Olson said. “What’s clear from the conversation taking place is that while the idea has many supporters in Winona, support is not widespread enough.”
In an editorial from Olson, he made it clear that Winona State is grateful for the community members who showed their support, and while this proposal was withdrawn, discussions about a new baseball field for the university will continue to circulate.
Along with Olson and Winona State administration, members of the Winona City Council heard strong opposition from community members in Winona.
Winona Mayor Mark Peterson said, “Dropping it was perhaps the right thing to do.”
He also added that the proposal had good intentions at heart, but was not proposed for the best location.
Winona State presented the proposal to the council several months ago, and the decision to withdraw the proposal came one day before a scheduled forum to further discuss details about the plan.
The proposal estimated the two phases of construction would total $4.4 million, and the university would fund all but $150,000 of which the City of Winona would have provided.
“Winona State strives to be a good neighbor,” Olson said in his editorial. “I hope our decision demonstrates to you we are listening closely and responding proactively to feedback.”
Olson also mentioned the numerous other facilities Winona State provides to the community of Winona, such as the “beautiful arboretum” and Cal Fremling floating classroom.
The new baseball field is still a topic of interest at Winona State, according to Olson, but currently on hold as the university examines new options for a proposal.
