EDITORIAL: Play ball (here)!

A park for the Phillies atA park for the Phillies at30th and Walnut streetsA park for the Phillies at30th and Walnut streetscould bring jobs and peopleA park for the Phillies at30th and Walnut streetscould bring jobs and peopleback to a deserted corridor.A park for the Phillies at30th and Walnut streetscould bring jobs and peopleback to a deserted corridor.____________________________ Looking to the examples of Coors Field in Denver and Baltimore's Camden Yards, both ballparks whose urbanity is an integral part of their success, it becomes clear that erecting a real ballpark in the no-man's-land between campus and Center City could spur redevelopment and revitalization of a now-deserted corridor. Such a facility would draw city residents and suburbanites who work in Center City farther west, forcing them to frequent an area they may have long since written off as the exclusive domain of co-eds and criminals. If the University, the city and the Phillies work together on this project, Penn's athletic teams could benefit from much-improved practice and game-day facilities. Even weekend warriors and recreational athletes might finally gain access to a gym with proper ventilation and enough equipment. Some -- like Athletic Director Steve Bilsky -- claim the University would relinquish its opportunities for future expansion if the Phillies take control of the parcel of land between Bower Field and the Class of 1923 Ice Rink. But the Civic Center property to the southeast of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania remains vacant and shuttered, and admin- istrators could purchase it for the construction of new dorms or classroom space should these needs arise. A ballpark could bring positive publicity to Penn with each national telecast. Having a major league ballclub in the University's backyard would also offer students outstanding -- and easily accessible -- internship options, in fields ranging from sports medicine to public relations and marketing. Crime and congestion in University City might increase as throngs of fans descended upon a new ballpark on weekends or after work. But the new site is already accessible via public transportation, and construction of a stadium would ensure that the existing Septa stations are well-maintained -- or even upgraded. A new stadium would undoubtedly be an expensive proposition for an already cash-strapped city. But a public-private partnership resulting in a sporting and entertainment complex with additional parking that the University and HUP could both use, sounds like an worthwhile investment for the long term.