On November 20^th, the Breese Stevens Neighborhood Planning Committee held a listening session at historic Lapham School. Approximately fifty citizens attended and were afforded an opportunity to speak, submit a written statement or simply listen to others express their opinions concerning the future of Breese Stevens Field.

Eric Bertun, committee chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., introduced the committee members and explained their charge. Next, Brad Weisinger of the Madison Parks Division gave an overview of the current state of Breese and the fiscal climate under which it operates.

Then, anyone who had registered to speak was given up to three minutes to express his or her opinion of Breese. Committee members were allowed to ask questions of the speakers and did so on several occasions. The committee also collected the written statements submitted for evaluation at a later date.

The speakers represented a rather diverse group: young and old, male and female, “soccer people” and non-soccer people, Tenney-Lapham residents and non–residents.

For many years now, Breese has been used exclusively for soccer. It was not surprising that those from the soccer community made a big showing and were supportive of it remaining a soccer venue. The captain of the East High School boys’ varsity soccer team said that Breese was the best field on which he had ever played.

Another theme that is apparent is that while neighbors seem generally supportive of soccer, they also want access to Breese for other activities. One Tenney-Lapham resident, who also happens to be a soccer enthusiast, came armed with a copy of the Tenney-Lapham--Old Market Place Neighborhood Plan. This 1995 document, under its parks’ recommendations heading states:

“Preserve the historic character of Breese Stevens Field, and increase its accessibility for recreational activities by the neighborhood.”

This is a goal that most agree with, but must be considered carefully by the committee when formulating its recommendations to the Common Council.

Breese Stevens Field was acquired by the City of Madison from the Breese Stevens family in 1923. The Article of Agreement between the parties’ states:

“It is understood and agreed, as a condition of this agreement and as part of the consideration thereof, that said block shall forever be known and designated as the Breese Stevens Athletic Field and that said premises shall never be used for any other purpose than that of an athletic field.”

It is generally accepted, in 2002, that as long as Breese is used primarily as an athletic and/or recreational facility, the 1923 agreement is honored.

Some of the supplemental uses for Breese that have been suggested so far are: concerts, neighborhood festivals, farmers market and an art fair. Some of the athletic pursuits suggested so far that are compatible with its current use (soccer) are: Ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse and rugby. Among the suggestions that would be non-compatible with its current use are: converting Breese to a competitive swimming complex or a recreational water park.

Any significant increase in the number of games or events at Breese will in all likelihood affect its playing surface. Breese is recognized as one of the best soccer fields in the state. This is no accident. There are several key reasons why the surface is so lush:

• Restricted access. Parks staff carefully monitor the number of games played on Breese. Overuse of any athletic field leads to rapid deterioration with no chance for recovery. Weather is always a wild card when considering how often and when the field can be used. One game played on a saturated field can ruin it for an entire season.

• Sprinkler system. Amateur landscapers should be able to relate to this concept. One cannot rely on Mother Nature alone to keep the field green from early spring through late fall.

• TLC. Breese is extremely fortunate to have an excellent caretaker. Tom Tierman of the Parks staff is meticulous in his care of the field and the results are obvious.

In order for Breese to become more of a multi-purpose athletic field, it is likely that the “premier” status of its surface cannot be maintained over the long term. This does not necessarily mean it is destined to become a strip of dirt either. It does mean that Parks staff will have to carefully balance the need to expand its use without seriously compromising the playing surface. That has the potential to be a “win-win” situation for all.

NEXT ISSUE: Infrastructure. Breese is currently undergoing a Historic Structures Review by River Architects from La Crosse, WI. This detailed report will make specific recommendations pertaining to the infrastructure and will help the Committee and others formulate a plan of action for restoring and/or renovating Breese Stevens Field.

-Eric Bertun

ericbertun@tds.net

(Editor’s Note: the opinion expressed above is that of Eric Bertun and not necessarily that of the committee).

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