BREC Fields Near Completion: Sports Park Ready for Next Ball Season

By Dave Freneaux

    Phase One of BREC's Central Community Sports Park is 90% complete.  According to Dan Hebert of BREC, the final construction of this phase should be finished in July and the ball field grass should be grown in by the end of September.  Phase One includes five Baseball/Softball fields, three lakes, one with a walking trail, and two parking lots accommodating a total of 330 cars.  In addition, the construction of a Concession Building identical to the one at Oak Villa will begin soon and will be ready for the 2013 seasons.  The cost to construct the facility through the end of Phase One has been approximately $5.2 million.

    The $1.1 million in funding for Phase Two was approved in House Bill 2.  Senator Bodi White of Central has met with the BREC Superintendent and Administration and feels there is a good chance that the Phase Two funding will be bonded this fall.  With that funding, the last two baseball fields, two multi-use fields, a playground and an additional 165 parking spots can be added.  Mr. Hebert of BREC explained that, if funding is approved, Phase Two could be completed as early as 2013. The "Future Phase" construction, which will be dependent on additional funding, includes nature trails, a pavillion, another multi-use field, and the final 165 parking spaces.