Little League sports complex in the works

Like the grass on the ball field, Maricopa Little League baseball is continuing to grow. But in order to support that growth, the league needs fields to play on. Maricopa Little League president Chris Turpen understands this better than most.

“Although Pacana is a wonderful park, there are no dedicated baseball fields; only softball fields, which we bring in a temporary mound for game use,” Turpen said. “By having baseball fields available seven days a week, it will allow Maricopa Little League to grow and provide more opportunities for post-season tournaments. This would also bring in much needed tax dollars to the city by visitors of those tournaments.”

Turpen and league vice president Victor Gonzalez introduced preliminary plans for a new facility with at least three ball fields during Little League opening day festivities on March 20. Of course, building a ball field or three isn’t just something you do overnight, and the Little League is just in the beginning stages on the project, Gonzalez said. The first step is finding a suitable location.

Gonzalez said no site has been chosen, and the league knows in order to build a facility that can accommodate three fields — two baseball and one softball — and adjacent parking, they will need about 16 acres.

“We are in the process of forming the committee of community leaders to start the search,” Turpen said. The Little League plans to raise money to build the new fields through sponsorships, donations and fundraisers, Turpen said. “When the committee is formed, we will have different individuals leading these efforts.”

The new fields should be sufficient enough to support the 500 kids who will play this season. “To complete the project, we’re going to need about $1.8 million,” Gonzalez said. “But we plan to build it in phases. The most important aspect is the fields.”

The project is also slated to include a multipurpose building that will be used for bathrooms, concessions and meeting rooms, as well as storage. “I believe it will be a valuable resource for the many club ball teams,” Gonzalez said. “It could be something that the charter schools could use as well. This facility could be used by everybody.”

Gonzalez believes that the building of new fields in Maricopa will give Maricopa and its children pride in their community. He also thinks the facility will get “a ton of use” as finding places to practice for teams can sometimes be difficult.

“We will be able to practice on baseball fields instead of a patch of grass,” Gonzales said. “And we will be able to schedule more games during the week that are not late.”

Gonzalez also said one reason the new fields will be helpful is due to the ability to control when the league can play. “We have limited use of the fields during the week so we have to schedule games that last until 10 p.m. or later, which is tough for the kids when they have school,” Gonzalez said. “We will be able to hold tournaments. It will also help us realize our goal of having a league that does not have to charge the kids a registration fee.”

The Maricopa Little League hopes to have the fields in use within two years. “Our goal is to have the fields built by the 2012 season,” Gonzalez said. “That deadline is flexible.”

Another thing Gonzalez is most excited about is the amount of community and parental support he’s received for this project. “So far the people we have spoken to have a very positive reaction,” Gonzalez said. “The rendering we introduced at opening day has led to a couple of leads that will help us.”

Turpen feels this will fill a huge need in the community. “Everyone believes this is the right thing to do…we now need to channel this positive feeling into action.”

Rendering courtesy of Maricopa Little League