The Field of Dreams committee has tasked Columbus city engineer Kevin Stafford with creating a plan for the field so discussion on funding can move forward.
The field, which as proposed would be built Propst Park, has previously been described as 15,000 square feet, handicapped accessible and topped with “fall safe” surfaces. It would have a rubberized coating meant to drain quickly and allow for easy movement for the special needs population.
Total costs for the proposed field currently unclear.
Estimates have ranged from $250,000 to $400,000. Golden Triangle Outdoors, a group working to secure private donations and grants for the field, has raised about $60,000 for the project.
The committee formed to focus on the field met Monday. It consists of Ward 5 councilman Kabir Karriem, Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin, District 4 Supervisor Leroy Brooks, District 3 Supervisor John Holliman, Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority Director Greg Lewis, and Dabby and Larry Taylor of Golden Triangle Outdoors.
A significant amount of discussion Monday focused on how to raise funding for the project. However, committee members agreed that it would be difficult to raise additional money without knowing how much the project will actually cost.
“We need to walk away with one thing today — the plan,” Brooks said. “Let’s agree to let Kevin make the plan and then I think the discussion we’re having now — we’re better able to know what direction to go. John (Holliman) can’t tell a man how he’s going to build a house until he’s got the plan, so as anxious as we may be, the only thing we’re going to walk away with today is that Neel-Schafer is going to make a plan.”
Stafford said it might be early next year before plans are finalized.
Some discussion also focused on how much the city and county might contribute to the project.
Lewis requested money from the city and county during the two entities’ budget process earlier in the year, but neither allocated funding to the project.
Larry Taylor said it’s been difficult to raise additional funds without financial support from the government entities. Lewis said he had a potential donor with a 5-figure donation waiting to see if the city and county throw support behind the project.
Karriem suggested the city could give $25,000 to the project to show support for the project.
Gavin agreed with the figure, though he later added that he’d like to see more private donations for the project as well.
“I’m comfortable with recommending or voting for a pledge from the city of $25,000,” Gavin said. “Then let’s move forward and whatever remains, we can try to come up with.”
Seeking Donations
Golden Triangle Outdoors is still seeking donations from the community for the Field of Dreams.
For more information, contact Debbie Taylor at 662-251-3366.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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