Restore Thompson Field for Gus and us
Kalispell owes Betsy Wood a thank you for reminding us what a treasure we have in Thompson Field. Because of her efforts, the Daily Inter Lake article on Saturday, Oct. 5, reminded everyone that the field was originally named in honor of “Gus” Thompson, one of Kalispell’s earlier residents and the first Montanan to play in the World Series — in 1903!
Like many East Side neighbors I was surprised then disappointed, to see that “Thompson Field” had been renamed East Side Park. (Apparently joining a zillion other blandly named East Side parks in “Everywhere,” America.) The Daily Inter Lake article quotes the president and founder of “EKG” (Eastside Kalispell Group) who within about a year or two of moving to Montana, formed a short-lived and long-defunct neighborhood group. In the article, she asserts that there “wasn’t any intent of X’ing anybody out of history or anything like that, it was just nobody knew.” Fair enough, but many of us who grew up here have great memories at a place called THOMPSON FIELD. So even apart from poor old Gus, I’m at a loss as to why it was imperative to rename a place that generations of Kalispell residents had known as Thompson Field?
That “EKG” lobbied for improvements to a park they lived next to certainly isn’t unreasonable. However, lobbying for a name change without the benefit of the larger community’s input IS unreasonable. If this group sent out a news release I missed it in the media. If there were polls, emails, surveys or flyers provided to Eastsiders, they didn’t arrive at our door or mailbox. EKG’s website stated, “Our newly formed EKG (Eastside Kalispell Group) is committed to providing a VOICE for our neighborhood when issues arise that could affect our quality of life and our property values.” They indeed provided a voice but it seems to have been that of a handful of people and not that of the community at large or even the East Side of Kalispell.
Had they publicized their insistence on a name change, we may have all been reminded of the historic jewel we have in Mr. Thompson much earlier. Again… thank goodness for Betsy Wood!!
I doubt I’m alone in saying that it’s frustrating when those who want to “make a difference” neglect to examine whether they’re actually serving our community or serving a personal vision. Whether you just landed here or you were born here, I deeply appreciate the hardworking efforts of ALL community volunteers including those at EKG who have perhaps done other community projects. I don’t question their intention to be of service, but we would all do well to continuously examine whether our efforts are truly needed or even wanted by the community that we’re serving. There are many, many things that Kalispell needs to pour volunteer energy into. Renaming parks isn’t one of them.
Three take-aways: 1) The city of Kalispell should take this opportunity to update the procedures for randomly changing the names of our city landmarks to ensure that other parks (Like Begg Park or Lakers & Archie Roe) aren’t lost to future generations by other ill-advised efforts. 2) City Council needs to put forth a resolution reinstating the field’s original name. 3) The community now has the opportunity to share insights and opinions about Thompson Field.
Please also let us know if you’re willing to do some “barn-raising” type of community work with us. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Restore-Thompson-PARK-to-GUS/171025773094115
Groose is a resident of Kalispell’s East Side.