Potential funding for new ball fields moves forward

St. Joseph County officials agreed to move forward with the idea of potentially funding new ball fields in Three Rivers and Sturgis.
During a board of commissioners work session Tuesday, board members debated the merits of funding tournament-caliber athletic fields in Three Rivers and Sturgis.
A trio of Three Rivers officials – mayor Tom Lowry, city manager Joe Bippus and city commissioner Jared Hoffmaster – attended the session and reiterated their request for help from the county. The city is seeking $2.8 million toward its proposed $4.9 million complex.
Commissioners agreed to stage a meeting with a municipal bond council with the intent of pursuing ball field funding for the two cities.
In addition, Three Rivers and Sturgis officials will be asked to create plans detailing proposed use of the parks, from local teams engaged in an inner-county event to a large-scale, two-site tournament that would draw a number of teams near and far for multi-day competitions.
County officials said the goal is to make St. Joseph County a destination for all-star and travel softball and baseball teams and their families, who typically go to Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and other metropolitan areas where tournament-quality facilities exist.