SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
Mid-Michigan could be getting a new world class sports complex.
Members of Ripken Design - owned by baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken - are in town conducting a feasibility study to determine whether the complex should be built in Saginaw.
Dan Taylor is the project manager. He and his team toured the city Monday and says there is a lot of potential.
"The whole point of a complex like this is to get people in the area, staying in the area, going to restaurants and other local businesses and helping to spur additional development," Taylor said.
Organizers won't reveal any specific spots they're looking at for the sports complex. But, they say Saginaw's general location including easy access to major highways is ideal.
Karen Lawrence-Webster is part of the New E.R.A. Community Group which hired Ripken Design. If the project gets a green light, she says it will need help on all levels to be successful-- especially when it comes to funding.
"It's about giving their support. Showing up, giving their letters of recommendation to our governor and to our state representatives. There are funds available, but we need them to help us do this." said Lawrence-Webster.
Supporters of the project say it would create jobs and generate millions of dollars in the area. Results of the feasibility study are expected in a couple months.
Below is a sample of comments the public left on TV5's Facebook page when asked if they'd welcome the addition to their community:
Cathy Bammach: I agree Bay City does need this, and if they truly have to build it over in Saginaw...build over by Bay & Tittabawsee-Kochville area....where it's actually a nice area of Saginaw.
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