Prospect Meadows Ball Fields Project in Marion Granted Extension to Secure Funding

Backers of a vast baseball/softball complex project in northeast Marion earned themselves more time to secure funding and make the ball fields a reality.

The Linn County Supervisors unanimously approved an extension the Prospect Meadows Ball Fields, and more specifically for the ground lease from April 1, 2013 to June 1, 2014.

The proposed 17-field, 128 acre complex comes with a $9.4 million price tag with large portions coming from public money, including . But, a large portion will need to come from grants and donations.

The project was initially expected to get under construction in 2012 with completion in 2014, according to the group's website.

More from Linn County news release:

The Linn County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a time extension of the ground lease for Prospect Meadows Ball Fields from April 1, 2013 to June 1, 2014. Jack Roeder, President of Prospect Meadows, requested the time extension this week noting it will allow Prospect Meadows more time to implement its funding plans and apply for grant opportunities that will be available this fall.

Prospect Meadows Ball Fields is a proposed 17-field baseball and softball complex to be located on 128 acres of county-owned land northeast of Marion, just south of County Home Road and east of Highway 13 in Linn County. Linn County is leasing the land to Prospect Meadows for one dollar per year. The complex would host local league play and weekend tournaments, drawing teams from across the Midwest.

“Linn County has been supportive of this project from the beginning, and we continue to be supportive of it now. It’s a collaborative community project that will benefit Linn County residents through recreational opportunities and economic development,” Linn County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Harris said. “In addition to the jobs created at the ball field, our local economy will benefit from the visitors who will stay at local hotels, eat in our restaurants and do a little shopping while they are here. This is exactly the kind of community partnership Linn County is proud to be involved in and to support.”

Linn County became an early partner in the Prospect Meadows Ball Fields project when it funded a feasibility study for $20,000 in 2011. Linn County has continued its support of the project through a ground lease agreement for the site.

“I’m excited about this project and the progress that Prospect Meadows is making,” Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson said. “The development of the ball field will be good for Marion and all of Linn County, and I’m proud to support it as a Linn County Supervisor.” Oleson represents District 4, which includes the City of Marion.

Roeder said Prospect Meadows Ball Fields, a non-profit organization, is expected to attract more than 120,000 attendees each year, including 60,000 out of town visitors filling 80,000 hotel-room nights. It is expected to create 200 full- and part-time jobs with an annual payroll of more than $500,000. The estimated economic impact is $25 million in local direct spending each year. Roeder also said Prospect Meadows Ball Fields will include a recreational pond, play areas, walking trail, concession stands, a storm shelter, and one “Miracle Field” for persons with disabilities.