Community Leaders Comment on Indoor Track: Part 2

Part 2: Tina Patel and Jim Christian

The Chamber reached out to a few community and business leaders to hear their thoughts on the proposed indoor track project in Glenwood. For the next few weeks, we will be sharing the comments we have received to questions asked about the indoor track project and the impact it could have on the greater Springfield/Eugene community.

For the second in our series, we’re sharing interviews with Tina Patel of Alko Hotels, and Jim Christian, SCDC Board Member.

Read our Part 1 interview HERE (Sean VanGordon and Pat Walsh)
Read Our Part 3 interview HERE (Michael Reilly and Nicole Nelson)

Tina Patel
Alko Hotels

From your unique perspective, why is this project an important one for the Springfield community? And, how will our community benefit?

This project is important to not just the Glenwood hotel community, but Eugene and Springfield as a whole. The indoor arena provides many avenues for additional revenues for small businesses. Businesses from hotels, restaurants, sports shops, and more will see a direct impact as a result of this arena. In addition, Springfield would be increasing their reputation as a sports event accommodator by building this arena, thus increasing the awareness of the city and what they have to offer. 

Even as our community reopens and rebounds from the impact of the pandemic, why do you believe now is the right time to move this project forward?

This pandemic has destroyed the current travel demand in the US and now more than ever small businesses need help from their cities to kickstart that demand back up. This indoor arena will give more reason for travel to the Eugene and Springfield areas.

Why do you support this project?

The indoor athletic arena would bring in many visitors from all over who would benefit Eugene and Springfield’s economy. The indoor arena may be a costly investment, but it would greatly benefit the local economy for years to come. The arena would put Eugene and Springfield on the map permanently as the haven for track and field athletics. In addition to track and field, the arena would also bring in a multitude of different sports events increasing the awareness and tourist base that would travel.

For years, the community has referred to Glenwood as our “diamond in the rough.” The last five years the area has seen considerable progress – three hotels in five years and important public investment in Phase I Franklin Blvd enhancements. How will this project catalyze the next iteration of public and private development?

Glenwood is quickly becoming an up and coming area and acts as the bridge between Eugene and Springfield. If built, the indoor arena would bring a new avenue for tourism into Eugene and Springfield. As this fits in Eugene’s athletic culture very well, it would be a great investment in the tourism industry to promote travel to Eugene-Springfield for these Athletic events. Having this arena built, further pushes the catalyst of the surrounding areas to be redeveloped due to the increasing value and appeal of the Glenwood area. We believe that once this arena is built, it will set off a chain reaction in the area and will redesign the way people see Glenwood for years to come. 

Jim Christian
SCDC Board Member

For years, the community has referred to Glenwood as our “diamond in the rough.” The last five years the area has seen considerable progress – three hotels in five years and important public investment in Phase I Franklin Blvd enhancements. How will this project catalyze the next iteration of public and private development? 

Over the years I have seen many attempts to find a project to kick start the redevelopment of Glenwood.  This facility will bring thousands of people to Glenwood throughout the year for a wide range of activities and to support local business, hotels, etc.  Developers have been waiting for a significant project, such as this, to occur before committing resources to major private development in the area.  No one wants to be first.  Developers have shown great support for this project and it is the type of catalyst needed to move Glenwood forward.

Why do you believe in this project?

I believe this project will provide a variety of benefits to Glenwood and our broader community.  Following are a few that come to mind.

1. Boosting our local economy is critical, especially during the crisis we’re currently facing.  The development will provide jobs, not only through construction of the facility itself, but also though related infrastructure and private development.
2. The indoor track will be a unique feature of the facility and be a substantial regional, if not national, draw.  However, track will be just one of the many activities to utilize the facility.  It will be a great resource for our local community.  
3. The health of our community members is a top priority.  To have a facility such as this to help keep our youth and adults physically active will pay dividends for years to come.