Residents urge Norwich Council to preserve Dodd Stadium as community asset

The Norwich City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, focused heavily on the future of Dodd Stadium, with several community members advocating for its preservation. Residents expressed concerns about the potential sale of the stadium, emphasizing its value as a community asset and a venue for family-friendly events.

Nancy Maclet, a local resident, highlighted Dodd Stadium as an affordable entertainment option for families, noting its role in hosting youth camps, educational programs, and various community events such as wellness fairs and food truck festivals. She argued that the stadium provides significant benefits to the community, including job opportunities for local youth and a space for large gatherings that other venues in Norwich cannot accommodate.

Bob D'Nesha echoed Maclet's sentiments, describing Dodd Stadium as a "tremendous facility" that has historically attracted visitors from surrounding areas. He raised questions about the financial implications of selling the stadium, urging the council to provide transparency regarding its operational costs and potential revenue generation.

Other speakers, including Ed Minzner and Bridal Hike, reinforced the idea that the stadium serves as a vital community hub. They called for a strategic plan to assess the stadium's value and explore ways to enhance its utilization rather than considering its sale. Minzner specifically requested information on deferred maintenance costs and the potential tax revenue from selling the property.

The discussion also touched on the broader issue of youth engagement in sports, with some residents expressing concern over declining interest in baseball among children. Rodney Boyd, a former coach, urged the council to find ways to stimulate youth participation in sports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining recreational facilities like Dodd Stadium.

The council has tabled the discussion until May, allowing for further dialogue and consideration of the community's input. The future of Dodd Stadium remains uncertain, but the strong community support suggests that many residents view it as an essential part of Norwich's identity and recreational landscape.