Commission approves funding for Sturgis complex

St. Joseph County’s plan to establish itself as a premier location for softball tournaments and other outdoor sporting events was solidified Tuesday, when county commissioners approved more than $1.6 million in funding toward a four-field complex in Sturgis.
The financial commitment to Sturgis officials came exactly six months after it allocated $2.8 million to the city of Three Rivers for a 17-field sports complex.
With resolutions of support from Fawn River, Sturgis and Sherman townships, Sturgis City Manager Mike Hughes said the development in Sturgis is a welcome addition to replace the Spence Field development, in an industrial area on North Centerville Road.
The new complex is to be built on land on the south side of East Lafayette Road, east of North Lakeview Drive.
Hughes called the plan a quality-of-life project that adds a deeper dimension to the county. Hughes said softball is the city’s strongest adult recreational program. It boasts about 50 teams and more than 600 participants, who hail from the city, surrounding townships, neighboring counties and even across the state line in Indiana.
Commissioner Robin Baker voted against the motion, an identical position he took in September, when the commission voted to provide funding to Three Rivers. The Three Rivers site includes fields for softball, baseball, football and soccer.