Letter To The Editor: Rebuilding Turf Field Space in Alton is Necessary Following Gordon Moore Park Loss

ALTON - The loss of the two new turf fields at Gordon Moore Park due to the sinkhole has certainly been a setback for the community.

However, it also presents an opportunity — not just to replace the fields lost, but to honor the investment already made.

The new fields and pavilion at Gordon Moore did not come to be simply from excess funds being identified, payment made, and then fields built in short order, as is often the simple formula in other communities. They were made possible through the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers who believed in this community.

More than two years before the turf fields were constructed, the Irish Soccer Club approached City of Alton leadership about the need for improved field space, and the very poor condition of the bathrooms and concession stand adjacent to the fields closest to the park's main entrance. We took officials to several youth sports complexes throughout the St. Louis region. While it was immediately clear that City of Alton leadership agreed improvements were necessary, it was also clear at the time that no financial support was available due to City budget conditions. Nonetheless, we engaged an architect and a turf field contractor, and built renderings we shared with community stakeholders. It was a start.

The first organization we met with was Marquette Catholic High School, which had been a tenant at Gordon Moore for decades. Marquette and Irish Soccer pledged the initial financial support for the project to the City of Alton. Eventually, grant funding was identified, but not enough to fully fund the more than $1.2M cost. A gap of several hundred thousand remained. Then, Liberty Bank President Dale Blachford and former Jun Construction President PJ Jun were enlisted to lead a fundraising effort. A committee was formed and, over many months, the effort picked up steam. We also approached the Southwestern Illinois Building and Trades Council, whose labor originally built Gordon Moore Park. They pledged support to help construct the new concession stand, bathrooms, and pavilion. Sponsors stepped up, including 1st MidAmerica Credit Union as the main sponsor, with many more businesses, organizations, the City, and individuals committing the necessary funding. More than $1,000,000 was raised in cash, volunteer labor, and material.

As a community, we should feel a sense of obligation to honor this community effort by making it whole. When people step forward to support improvements in our parks, they should have confidence that their contributions will be protected and valued. Rebuilding is not just about infrastructure—it is also about maintaining trust.

This means it is simply not acceptable not to rebuild, somewhere, soon. Yes, many questions remain. How and with what funds? Where, perhaps, another location in the park, or elsewhere? Will it be safe, and what level of transparency will exist? All valid questions.

We have heard very little from New Frontier Materials, which operates the mine under Gordon Moore. Waiting on them to help us rebuild may be futile. By June of 2026, it will be two years. If the Mine won’t take responsibility, and/or litigation occurs, this issue could remain unresolved for a decade or more. Kids in our community can’t wait that long. Young families want these types of facilities in their hometowns. Even with these two fields, availability in the Alton-Godfrey community is limited. If we want those young families in our community, we have to provide what other communities do.

Further delay is simply not an option.

Robert Stephan

Founder and Director

The Irish Soccer Club

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