When I moved to Kingman 42 years ago, I entered the men’s softball league. At the time, the league was in the Mojave County He played games in the parking lot of the Fairgrounds facility.
Fortunately for Kingman, city council and community leaders have a vision for the future and have invested in major projects that will benefit Kingman and its residents. That project was Centennial Park.
I’m sure there were opponents who said it was a waste of money, or that they needed money for other projects, but the Council had the foresight to approve this massive project.
They acquired the first 30 acres (and 10 more were added later) and then built what became a recreational activity center for Kingman residents. The project has not only improved the quality of life for its residents, it has also made Kingman more attractive to businesses, young professionals and families looking to relocate.
With that commitment over 40 years ago, we have enjoyed quality swimming pools, basketball, tennis, racquetball and pickleball courts. , running paths, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Additionally, Centennial Park is home to one of the best softball complexes in the area. The complex hosts over 100 national, state, regional and local tournaments. Each tournament attracts hundreds of players, their families and friends to Kingman, filling hotels, frequenting restaurants, visiting retail outlets, and boosting the town’s economy.
Myself, and many other Kingman residents for generations, thank these former leaders for their foresight and foresight regarding this investment in our community.
Once again, another success story of opportunity is knocking on our door. Once again, you have to think long term to grasp it.
Completion of the previously approved downtown development project is one such opportunity. Looking to the future, the project will provide an entertainment district offering music, restaurants, concerts, festivals, shops, a playhouse theater, and perhaps the occasional date night.
Like Centennial Park, the improved downtown will attract new businesses and young professionals, and along with the theme of Route 66, will draw both domestic and international tourists to the city.
This undertaking may even encourage many of our recent graduates to stay in Kingman and help our town grow and prosper.
I hope that we will be able to recognize the potential of this project and the resulting increase in the quality of life in our town, making it more attractive to visitors and future residents, and the increased revenue it will bring to the city’s coffers. increase. city.
(William Skowronek is a resident of Kingman.)
