No matter how the city and its residents move on the discussion for the future of the Blazing Star Landing, one thing seems certain. No matter whether there is going to be commerce, industry or residences at the site, there must be recreation in abundance.

There has been plenty of rumbling in recent months in backchannels and small meetings about the need to find city-owned land for sports recreation &8212; particularly considering the state owns the land where Snyder Fields are at. The state can use that land how it sees fit.

There are many ideas for recreation. A four-way baseball/softball cloverleaf is just one idea. Another is a community recreation center. Yet another is soccer fields. Another is a skating pond. Even an outdoor concert venue has been mentioned. The people seem to have lots of ideas for recreation possibilities.

(And, man, what a place for it! Again, Albert Lea has loads of unrealized potential, doesn&8217;t it?)

The ideas are grand. Many regional cities like Albert Lea have built prime recreation facilities in a single park &8212; a sports complex. Our city doesn&8217;t have one. It takes a big, open space. The two places that come to mind are the Blazing Star Landing and the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds remain county land until the dream to move the fairgrounds into the country is someday realized. The city fortunately owns the Blazing Star Landing.

And on the Tribune&8217;s Web site, AlbertLeaTribune.com, the Quick Vote indicates 51.1 percent of the 131 voters favor turning the Blazing Star Landing into a park for recreation, beating out commerce and industry. Of course, the poll is unscientific, but it makes a point. (If you wish to vote, the Quick Vote is near the bottom of the page.)

Most people are waiting to see what discussions come this summer from the comprehensive plan update. City residents will share their opinions, and that will shape how the city moves on zoning and land it owns.

Perhaps the recipe for the Blazing Star Landing contains something in between &8212; a measure of recreation and a measure of commerce.

Looking at the entire map of Albert Lea, a sports complex is a good idea, no matter where it ends up. We just can&8217;t help staring at that big open property in the middle of the city.