| 6/30/2009 8:53:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Sports complex could be huge boon to Rockford economy
Jeannie Gregory
Editor
After the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) brought a proposal in front of the Kent County Commission to turn 90 acres into a sports complex, questions were raised on many fronts on the impact it would have on Rockford and the surrounding areas. The proposed complex would be located on 10 Mile Road, at Wolven. It would be on the south side of 10 Mile Road in Plainfield Charter Township and would coincide with road development in 2011.
The possibility for raised revenue for businesses in the immediate area is obvious. The 12-field combination baseball/softball complex is forecasted to draw approximately 80 teams per weekend throughout the summer months.
Not only will the complex bring in the teams that will be playing in the tournaments, but it will also attract relatives and fans following their favorite travel team. And that means revenue, and plenty of it.
According to Mike Guswiler, Executive Director of the WMSC, the commission conducted a study that took a year to complete and they looked for key ingredients for the success of a complex.
One of those key ingredients is lodging and the commission found that there are 3,000 rooms within 20 minutes of the proposed complex - which will create a huge impact on the local economy.
"Our mission is to promote and secure amateur sports tournaments," said Guswiler. "It will have a positive impact on the local economy. And it is good for everybody because it promotes greenspace and recreation."
One question that screams to be answered is how will 10 Mile Road handle the extra traffic?
Rockford City Manager Michael Young acknowledges that there will have to be changes to the current road structure. According to Young, the Kent County Road Commission is planning on widening 10 Mile Road to four lanes, with a left turn lane. If the complex does go in, there will also be a traffic light at Wolven to control the additional flow of traffic.
"It has to be done right," said Young. "If they don't do the upgrades there will be a problem."
Also according to Young, there were questions raised about lodging in the Rockford area.
"We have ample commercially zoned property that can handle the additional amenities," he said. He pointed to the outlot property at Meijer and the property owned by Wolverine World Wide, Inc., where the former tannery was.
Young seemed pleased with the proposal.
"There are no changes in the (Ten Mile) Corridor Plan," he said. "We want to make sure we protect the plan. The complex will be a huge economic benefit to our community."
It is now up to the commission to facilitate bringing parties to the table to make it a reality.
"We are hoping the county will accept our proposal," said Guswiler. "The proposal and study are just one stage in the process. The next stage is finding (financial) assistance to make this a reality.
"We are excited about this project and its ability to enhance the economy."
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Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Article comment by:
rings
I hope this includes fields for adult softball (300' fences) also...the area despirately needs a quality facility!
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