State May Sell Portion of Sports Complex

Delbert Mimms and Jason McKinney

Photo by Jay Thompson

(posted Mar 21)

Ben Davis Cadet Football Association President Jason McKinney is not so sure about the White River State Park Commission's idea to sell 30 acres of the Ben Davis Youth Sports Complex.

McKinney explained the Commission wants to sell the southeast corner of the 113 acre field for commercial development to help fund the Ben Davis Youth Sports Complex at 21st Street and Girl School Road. The Ben Davis Youth Sports Association offers children in grades K-6 sports programs of soccer, football, and baseball on the land leased from the state.

Kevin Britt of the association said many people are unaware that the program is not operated by the school, and that it does not maintain the complex.

Britt explained the sports complex evolved from children slowly being squeezed out of places to play sports as the various Wayne Township Schools needed more land to enlarge the buildings.

Britt said the White River Commission's proposal to sell the property was presented as a win-win situation to help the cash-strapped association. The proceeds from selling the 30 acres would go to the association.

"We are in need to find funding," Britt said, adding the complex needs to provide water and sewer as they currently rely on port-o-lets. He said the complex is nixed from hosting big tournaments because of the lack of sewer and water connections.

Britt does not want to give up any of the property because this is the last available space for the youth to play. His concern is that once commercial development starts encroaching in the area that it could be the end of the complex. Britt has visions of using the 30 acres for a nature trail area.

Candy McKinney, public relations spokesperson for the Ben Davis Cadet Football Association, hopes people realize the value of the complex. "It keeps children off the streets and away from the computers," she said. She would like to see every Wayne Township business donate $100. She estimates that it would take several million dollars to make the improvements to the complex.

McKinney explained receiving grant money is nearly impossible since the association does not own the land or have a 99 year lease. Foundations do not want to make investments if there is a possibility that the complex would go away. She is doubtful that the commercial development would bring in enough money to fund the complex improvement list. Currently they are looking for donations to replace a structure that was destroyed by the January tornado.

Jason and Delbert Mimms, vice president of the cadet football association, spend about 40 to 50 hours a week once the football season starts. This year, the association will offer a spring season that will also need about 200 cheerleaders.

White River State Park Commission Executive Director Bob Witt explained selling the 30 acres is only in the discussion phase. He acknowledged that part of the discussion included some of proceeds being dedicated to the sports complex, but no vote has been taken. He said the selling of the corner section is part of the state's initiative to sell its surplus land throughout the state. The commission meets the third Wednesday of the month at 2 pm.