By Lindsay Doty
Baseball families are pumped about a plan to bring 12 ballfields to the north side of Brownsburg. On Dec. 17, the Brownsburg Town Council approved a plan to purchase 106 acres from the Brownsburg Community School Corporation to create a large ballfield park on the north side of town.
The $15.5 million project would transform the land located north of County Road E 700 N into 12 ballfields, six for baseball, six softball, along with 40 acres to be leased to the Brownsburg Little League Baseball and the Brownsburg Girls Softball League. The remainder of the property will become a future park with amenities and facilities to address key recreation priorities in the northern part of the community.
“Creating a permanent home for Little League Baseball and the Girls Softball League is a huge win for the youth of our community,” said Brownsburg Town Manager Jeff Eder. “Both of these organizations provide children the opportunity to develop skills and build friendships that last a lifetime. We’re pleased to work with both organizations and the school corporation to provide this space for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Construction of the ball fields could begin in the summer of 2021 with the fields ready to host play in 2024. The project will be primarily funded by a local income tax lease rental bond, according to project leaders.
“The benefits to the entire community will be tremendous, but we’re particularly pleased that this project fulfills a need that is based on both the Town of Brownsburg’s Comprehensive Plan and Brownsburg Parks’ Strategic Master Plan,” said Travis Tschaenn, town council president.
Brownsburg Community School Corporation school board president Eric Hylton said the board of school trustees is excited to participate in this partnership.
“Along with our excellent schools, this park experience will add to Brownsburg’s reputation as a quality community in which to raise a family,” said Hylton.
Along with using the site for team play, the location could potentially serve as a host site for regional tournaments, providing an economic boost to local businesses.
“The Town of Brownsburg has supported our baseball league and its players to build a rich history of success, which includes Little League World Series qualifiers and professional athletes,” said Travis Smith, BLLB president. “As our town grows, we are excited to continue our partnership at a new park that will provide opportunities for children to play sports, develop friendships, learn life lessons, and dream about their futures.”
“We are excited about all of the opportunities this new sports complex provides for the area’s youth. For our softball league, it brings excitement for the opportunity to grow our sport through our recreational programs,” said BGSL president Robert Baldwin.
Creating a park on the north side has been a longtime goal for Brownsburg leaders.
“Brownsburg Parks is eager to create a park in this area due to the many possibilities this space provides. For example, there’s room for future multi-use fields that could accommodate other sports in our community,” said Brownsburg Parks director Travis Tranbarger. “The future park property would also connect to the White Lick Creek Greenway via the future CR E 700 N roadside trail.”
