Group asks for funding support

A local club has submitted an official funding request to the county for a new sports facility.

Jay County Baseball Club members Josh Atkinson and Todd Farr asked Jay County Commissioners for $250,000 to go toward converting a building into its new facility during a meeting Monday. Commissioners recommended the group begin fundraising for the project before the county contributes toward its campaign.

Atkinson explained the group has moved forward with buying a barn on county road 500 West. The purchase comes to $575,000. That doesn’t include estimated costs for renovations and to retrofit the structure with nets, turf, equipment and golf simulators, which in total comes to just under $320,000. He pointed out some amenities may vary depending on how much the organization can raise.

Atkinson noted the savings with purchasing an existing structure, pointing out the last quote they had seen for constructing a new building came to around $1.4 million.

“That’s just not economically feasible at this time,” noted Atkinson.

The building has three areas, with the largest portion at 60 feet by 90 feet, the middle section at 27 feet by 60 feet and the planned office space at 30 feet by 40 feet. It also comes with a concrete parking lot and septic system, and it’s zoned as commercial property.

Jay County Baseball Club plans to officially purchase the building in September.

Atkinson visited commissioners June 26 explaining plans to purchase a building and convert it into an outdoor sports facility to be used by the organization as well as community members.

He noted Monday the group has not yet officially started its capital campaign for the project, although so far $120,000 has been committed.

“We’re optimistic that this will be fully funded by the end of the year,” said Atkinson. “County support is vital to this.”

Commissioner Brian McGalliard asked if there are fees to be a part of the club. Atkinson confirmed there are costs — he noted they split the cost into three payments — that are largely dependent on tournament fees. They also include gear and uniforms.

McGalliard asked if there would be training or other opportunities for families who may not be able to afford travel baseball fees. Atkinson pointed out the club has considered an idea to start a group called “Patriot Academy” with nominal fees. He said the initial idea covered 7-year-old children and younger, but pointed out it could extend to older children and teens.

Commissioner Chad Aker noted other organizations, such as Jay County 4-H, have been asked previously to begin fundraising efforts before requesting money from the county. He suggested Jay County Baseball Club raise some funding before county officials consider a contribution.

McGalliard and Jay County Council member Harold Towell, who was in the audience, both also suggested Atkinson visit council in August to touch base about the project.

“I think it’s great you guys are taking the bull by the horns and creating something that’s going to be useful to Jay County,” said Aker. “It can bring people in here. It keeps our youth interested.”