Stugis proposes softball complex

Sturgis city commissioners have approved a resolution asking St. Joseph County for $1.6 million toward the construction of a proposed softball-recreation complex.
The action last week by Sturgis officials comes on the heels of the county commission earlier this month approving $2.1 million to supporters of a new recreation complex in the Three Rivers area.
The Sturgis proposal includes an economic-development component in addition to recreation. Atlantic Packaging, an existing Sturgis business, has expressed interest in acquiring the current Spence Field softball property to expand its Sturgis operation. Meanwhile, city officials have called the Spence facilities obsolete and have developed plans for a multi-diamond complex with restrooms as part of a five-year parks and recreation plan.
Officials pegged the cost of a new recreation complex at just over $2 million. If the county approves the request, the city has pledged $200,000 to the project and says Atlantic Packaging will provide another $200,000.