FRANKENMUTH, MI (WNEM) -
Build it and they will come.
At least that's what the Frankenmuth Youth Sports Association is trying to preach to Frankenmuth residents. The board members said a new recreational facility will benefit the community in many ways.
"We've got the hotel space, we know how to do tourism, it's in our back pocket, and this is something we really feel will move us forward," said Frankenmuth Youth Sports Association Board Member Chris Rittmueller.
The proposed recreational area would be near Heritage Park on the city's south side. It would be a 42-acre complex with 12 soccer fields and three baseball/softball diamonds and also include a 42,000-square-foot facility with basketball courts and a walking track.
The price tag is $7.5 million. So far, private donations amount to just about $1.5 million. The board hopes to raise somewhere around $2.5 million in grants and additional donations. The question on the Aug. 7 ballot asks residents if they want to pick up the $3.625 million left.
"I think it's something the community has needed for a very long time. I've got three kids, I know they would use the heck out of it, I would use it myself, I think that people having three kids, it's a no brainer as far as usage," said Frankenmuth resident Laura Morris.
The additional tax would be an addition of .9 mils, which break downs to be an additional $45 for a $100,000 home. But the board said it will pay dividends in many ways. They said the new facility would be able to host big tournaments and would bring about $1.5 million in new money each year.
Voters will decide on Aug. 7. Frankenmuth Township may also vote on whether to pitch in. The Frankenmuth Township board has not decided if they will put it on their November ballot.
Copyright WNEM 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
