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Evansville Mayor: Remake Roberts Stadium as Green Space

The mayor of Evansville says a sports and entertainment stadium that’s been in use since 1956 needs to go. Lloyd Winnecke believes plans to re-build or reconfigure Roberts Stadium simply aren’t feasible. Instead, the mayor wants Roberts Stadium to become Roberts Park, with picnic areas, bike trails, and a dog park.

Winnicke told a meeting of the city Board of Parks Commissioners his plans Wednesday. WFIE TV reports that group will now debate and eventually vote on the mayor’s suggestion.

The 56-year-old Roberts Stadium was shut down last fall ahead of the opening of the new downtown Ford Center arena.

Mayor Winnicke estimates it will cost the city of Evansville between $6 million and $8 million to repurpose Roberts Stadium as a green space.

The mayor is also suggesting that bricks taken from the stadium be donated to the University of Evansville.

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition.