There have been a few sharp words in Old Orchard Beach recently over management of The Ballpark, but we’re inclined to accept a recent remark downplaying the controversy.

“I see this as a real positive problem,” Town Manager Jack Turcotte commented recently.

His point was that efforts to rehabilitate the facility have reached a key turning point, thanks to hard work and volunteerism ”“ and may soon need day-to-day management.

When Jim Thomas was town manager, he regarded The Ballpark as an important asset, but simply because it was prime real estate. Many townspeople saw it as much more than that and they have worked hard to get it back into shape.

The park has successfully hosted minor league baseball competition and big-time rock concerts, and now the town is looking forward to seeing it used for a national collegiate baseball tournament. Since the tournament is just three months off, councilors and the administration are anxious to get a formal system of management established.

Spring still seems a long way off, but it won’t be long before  the infield grass is green, the basepaths are raked, and there are last-minute arrangements needing quick attention. That’s when the town will benefit from the work volunteers and officials do now to establish a strong organization with formal policies and a chain of command.

As its history has shown, the Ballpark has great potential as a venue for various  events. But as old newspaper clippings also indicate, the long-awaited return of crowds could bring practical problems as well as the satisfaction of success.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com or City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski at kristenm@journaltribune.com.