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Group envisions Field of Dreams Rogue River organizers raise funds By VICKI GUARINO ROGUE RIVER -- To the casual bystander, it looks like a field of weeds. A band of farsighted parents and coaches, however, sees a gridiron, a track, even a grandstand rising up from the dandelions just north of the high school. To them, the apparition is the Chieftain Field of Dreams. And it will be built, the community organizers vow. "We are very determined and persistent," says Debbie Smith, one of a half-dozen lead organizers. The Chieftain Field of Dreams is looking to collect some $500,000 in donations, and possibly grants, to build a sports complex for Rogue River High School's 400 students and the surrounding community. The group intends to develop the project in phases, but wants to have the whole complex finished in November 2001. "My son is a freshman and we're hoping he'll reap the benefits," Smith says. As it is now, most Rogue River High School teams travel over to the middle school for games on Beck Field, the town's original sports field dating from the days when Rogue River Middle School was the high school. The sports complex out on East Evans Creek Road, on high school grounds, has been planned for years. Efforts always lacked the momentum to carry off the project, however. On the site now is a soccer field and baseball and softball diamonds. On the drawing board are plans to envelop the soccer field with a football field and surround the two playing fields with an all-weather track. To the south, the baseball and softball diamonds would remain. Between the two playing fields, a grandstand and concession stand would be built. The seating would serve fans at all sporting events. To the east of the fields, areas would be set up for pole vaulting, long jump and related track events. Beyond that area would be practice fields. A pond on the property would be relocated and set up to irrigate the entire complex. Additional parking would be available just off East Evans Creek Road. The plan is largely the work of the parents and coaches leading the Chieftain Field effort. The group visited other school athletic complexes and consulted with suppliers, contractors and coaches. "We also got a lot of input from the kids, what they want out there," Smith said. The athletic field campaign began in November, in informal conversations among a few parents who wanted the high school to finally get its own sports stadium. Fund raising has begun only recently. Some money already has been spent on improvements to the baseball field. The group is starting out by soliciting donations in the community. Also, the group has gone back to about 175 Rogue River High School graduates. They are the members of the classes of 1978 and 1979. The idea is that they would contribute $1 for each year since graduating -- $20. "We've gotten quite a good response," Smith says. "We've had people say, `$20? Heck, here's $100."' Other fund-raisers include T-shirt and concession stand sales. Middle schoolers are selling lollipops. The group also has received encouragement from potential corporate donors, Smith says. The solicitations put the project in contrast with a separate community effort to consider putting a schools renovation bond measure on the November ballot. "This has nothing to do with the bond issue or taxes," says Smith. A school board committee is meeting to examine school building needs and recommend a tax-supported funding measure. Discussion has included possible construction of classrooms, a library, gym and new roofs around the 1,300-student district. In the past few years, voters twice have rejected bond measures that would have financed the work. Smith says the Chieftain Field of Dreams effort neither aids nor impedes the bond effort. "It's not saying we won't help, vote `yes' or `no,' on the bond measure," she says. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA