Submitted article
The concept of an all-year sports complex for Crawford County is being introduced in the area and the people doing the talking want to hear some public input on the idea.
The Crawford County Education and Economic Development Partnership (CCEEDP) and Crawford: 20/20 Vision are conducting a market feasibility study to determine the need and/or scope of an all-year sports complex. CCEEDP is welcoming Don Schumacher with the National Association of Sports Commission (NASC) next week.
Schumacher is NASC’s Executive Director and has 50 years of experience in the fields of communications, family entertainment, theme-park marketing and operations, arena and stadium marketing and operations, event management, sports marketing, and facilities consultation. For the past 30 years, he has focused his activities on the sports event travel market, and has consulted with more than 50 cities on strategies to increase their share of this market.
“We are hoping to determine the need for facilities that can be utilized locally, regionally, statewide, and throughout the Midwest,” said Gary Frankhouse, Crawford County’s Economic Development Coordinator. “We are hoping to identify needs relating to sports and fitness that currently exist, are not offered, or are underestimated. Our hope is to have proactive discussions that demonstrate our County’s ability to–not only host, and participate in tournaments and clinics–but also to create a tourism component that showcases our facility and draws revenue from other areas.”
Part of Schumacher’s visit will be to find out from the community what they think about bringing a complex like this to the area. A public forum will be held at the Partnership Building (117 E. Mansfield St. in Bucyrus) on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Times are designated (see below) for discussions surrounding various sports. However, Frankhouse added, all activities, sports, and opportunities are welcome.
“Participating in these talks will give community members the opportunity to give us, and the NASC insight into activities that enhance our quality of life. This facility will benefit all of Crawford County if proved feasible, and we invite you to contribute by giving us your input,” he said.
The schedule for the public forum on Feb. 4 is:
Girls and boys baseball – 4:30 to 5 p.m.
Girls and boys basketball – 5:15 to 5:45
Volleyball – 6 to 6:30
Soccer – 6:45 to 7:15
Open (senior activities, pickle-ball, gymnastics, football, track, swimming, etc.) – 7:30 to 8.
Call the CCEEDP with any questions at 419-563-1809, or contact Frankhouse by email at garyf@crawford-co.org.