History of Edwardsburg Sports Complex

History

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Idea
In 2001, Ontwa Township Supervisor John Brielmaier asked Trustee Jim Ralph to investigate grant opportunities for the development of Kraus Park in Edwardsburg. Jim's search led him to Christina Barker at the Southwest Michigan Commission. In August of 2001, the township began a series of meetings with Ms. Barker. The township agreed to pay $5000 to hire her to lead them through the process of applying for a grant to the State of Michigan.

One of the requirements of the state application is the adoption of a parks and recreation master plan. Jim spoke with several community members in many different forums to get input for the master plan. A questionnaire was developed and handed out at an Edwardsburg varsity football game. Jim also arranged a community meeting at the Edwardsburg Intermediate School. This meeting was open to the public, and was well attended.

The meeting was conducted as a brainstorming session, and participants were asked to discuss and rank what they would most like to see in our community. By a margin of 3 to1, a Multisport Complex rose to the top of the wish list from the surveys and the meeting. This was incorporated in the master plan. The township approved the Master Plan in May of 2002.

A funding grant for Kraus Park was applied for but not awarded because the per capita income of the township is too high to qualify. But the community was starting to think big. For many the seed was planted.

Moving the Idea Forward
Ed Patzer, community and business leader, had been attending seminars with a company called Strategic Coach. One of the questions posed to the participants dealt with identifying what they wanted to truly accomplish and leave behind as a legacy. Ed dreamed of seeing a sports complex in the Edwardsburg area, to ensure that kids would always have a place to play.

He had originally wanted to work on this project as his career was winding down and he had more time, but he realized that large parcels of land were being sold to developers at a fast pace. He felt that he needed to act now while the land was available. Also, all three of the youth sports organizations currently use school property. The rate of growth in the area could mean that the school will need to expand, taking back land currently used by soccer, football or Little League.

In June of 2005, Ed met with Jim Ralph, and the committee was formed. They enlisted Scott Mackling as a youth soccer representative, Tim Coquillard as a Little League rep, and Brian Slack as a Rocket Football rep. Also, David Taylor, an area attorney, and Mark McNamee, a CPA were enlisted. Through Ed's work on the school board of Edwardsburg Public Schools, he met Nancy Owen of Kalamazoo. Ed needed about $20,000 to hire the Owen Group to perform a feasibility study for the project. In the fall of 2005, the Edwardsburg Youth Soccer Association provided the funding for the study. Catherine Toms joined the committee at this time.

Organization
By December 2005, the group formed a 501(c)(3) not for profit as Edwardsburg Sports Complex, Inc., established a set of bylaws, drafted a vision statement. The support from the community was extremely encouraging. There was every reason to proceed with the project. Tony Leininger of Carmi Designs drew a proposed layout of the park and provided cost estimates. Ed indentified desirable properties, and personally spoke to many landowners. Ed also began to solicit donations from area people.

In the summer of 2006, fundraising dinners were held where the attendees were shown a Power Point presentation of the project made by Jennifer Mackling, an 8th grader at the time. Question and answer sessions followed, and attendees asked questions and gave strong guidance.

During the fall of 2006, Ed continued to focus on fundraising and land acquisition. Late in the year, he received a call from Judy Padbury who owned about 100 acres on US 12 just west if the Edwardsburg village limits. The property was the Wilkinson family homestead. The location was great. It was very close to the schools and the village. It was also perfect for families in Niles and Granger who come to Edwardsburg for youth sports. Negotiations on the property and fundraising continued through 2007. In August of 2007, Marv Selge, president of Selge Construction Company, announced the donation of construction work valued at $1 million to the complex. The donation is made by Marv and Barb Selge and Selge Construction Company

Property is Purchased
In December of 2007, Edwardsburg Sports Complex came closer to reality when 102 acres were purchased from Judy Padbury. The sale included a donation from Mrs. Padbury, and the main road into the complex will be named after her grandfather. The purchase was made possible by a combination of donations and a loan provided by Chemical Bank.

In February of 2008, a Strategic Planning meeting with community leaders was held at the Edwardsburg Community School administration building. At this meeting all phases of the complex were discussed, including design features, funding, fund raising, park maintenance and the establishment of an endowment fund to ensure that no child is turned away.

Complex Ammenities
At the beginning, the complex will be home to football, baseball/softball, and soccer. A fitness trail will be included. Future plans could include basketball courts, volleyball courts, a swimming pool, and an indoor facility. More details of the complex are available on this web site.

Project Timeline

2008 - Finalize design plans and initiate community wide fund raising
Spring of 2009 - Begin Construction
Spring 2010 - open fields

How You Can Help
Edwardsburg Sports Complex, Inc is in need of help in all aspects of the park. We need monetary donations, in kind donations, expertise, volunteers, and ideas. The intent is to build whatever the community wants and will support. There is opportunity to name fields, buildings and courts after donors.

To make your donation of money, in-kind services and support, contact Ed Patzer at 269-699-7552 or use the Donate button below. We look forward to your call.