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Youth baseball and softball players will score big thanks to the Brownsburg Town Council’s approval of a plan to bring 12 ballfields and a new community park to the north side of town.
On Dec. 17, Town Manager Jeffery A. Eder presented a proposal to the Brownsburg Town Council to purchase approximately 106 acres north of CR E 700 N from the Brownsburg Community School Corporation. The agreement calls for the Town to develop six baseball and six softball diamonds along with other site amenities on 40 acres that will be leased to Brownsburg Little League Baseball (BLLB) and the Brownsburg Girls Softball League (BGSL). The remainder of the property will become a future park with amenities and facilities to address key recreation priorities in the northern part of the community. The site is located between CR N 900 E, CR N 1000 E, CR E 700 N and CR E 750 N.
“Creating a permanent home for Little League Baseball and the Girls’ Softball League is a huge win for the youth of our community,” said Eder. “Both of these organizations provide children the opportunity to develop skills and build friendships that last a lifetime. We’re pleased to work with both organizations and the school corporation to provide this space for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Town Council President Travis Tschaenn agreed: “The benefits to the entire community will be tremendous, but we’re particularly pleased that this project fulfills a need that is based on both the Town of Brownsburg’s Comprehensive Plan and Brownsburg Parks’ Strategic Master Plan.”
Brownsburg Community School Corporation Board President Eric Hylton added, “On behalf of the Board of School Trustees, we are excited to participate in this partnership that will serve Brownsburg families for many generations. Along with our excellent schools, this park experience will add to Brownsburg’s reputation as a quality community in which to raise a family.”
The project will be primarily funded by a local income tax lease rental bond.
Along with using the site for team play, the location could potentially serve as a host site for regional tournaments, providing an economic boost to local businesses.
“The Town of Brownsburg has supported our baseball league and its players to build a rich history of success, which includes Little League World Series qualifiers and professional athletes,” said BLLB President Travis Smith. “As our town grows, we are excited to continue our partnership at a new park that will provide opportunities for children to play sports, develop friendships, learn life lessons, and dream about their futures.”
“We are excited about all of the opportunities this new sports complex provides for the area’s youth. For our softball league, it brings excitement for the opportunity to grow our sport through our recreational programs,” said BGSL President Robert Baldwin. “We look forward to the next chapter on this journey.”
Creating a north side park has long been a goal of the Town.
“Brownsburg Parks is eager to create a park in this area due to the many possibilities this space provides. For example, there’s room for future multi-use fields that could accommodate other sports in our community,” said Director Travis Tranbarger. “The future park property would also connect to the White Lick Creek Greenway via the future CR E 700 N roadside trail.”
If approved, construction of the ball fields could begin in the summer of 2021 with the fields ready to host play in spring of 2024.
