"Building Kids Dreams into Realities to Benefit our Community"

West Michigan Sports Commission Mission Statement:

 

The mission of the West Michigan Sports Commission is to promote Michigan’s West Coast as the premier venue for hosting a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events, enhancing the economy and quality of life in the region.

 

Based on a 2008 Baseball and Softball Complex Concept and Report completed for the West Michigan Sports Commission by Sports Properties, Inc. the following was identified:

 

West Michigan Strength:

•  Sufficient facilities to compete on a state, regional, national level

 

West Michigan Weakness:

•  Lack of multi-field ’tournament ready’ outdoor facilities (baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, etc.)

 

West Michigan Opportunity:

•  Develop new multi-field ‘tournament ready’ outdoor facility (s)  
•  WMSC should assume role of facilitator for this high priority initiative

 

The Pre-eminent West Michigan Baseball/Softball Complex will have:

 

• 12 fields (8 fields min. in Phase I)

• Minimum two (2) baseball fields sized for high school play

• Championship field with seating for 1,000-1,500

• “Peg” system for movable bases and portable pitching mounds

• Portable fencing to accommodate various age levels

 

“The youth and amateur sports event industry is a $6 billion industry and growing” according to National Association of Sports Commissions

 

Funding and Support

The West Michigan Sports Commission is fortunate to have had operational funding generated through the foresight and support of both the public and private sector; led by Peter Secchia and a group of corporate community leaders and private individuals formed as the charter Chairman’s Financial Advisory Board (CFAB), who realized the ‘quality of life’ youth sports plays in a community.  On the public side, Roger Morgan (2006 Kent Co. Board Chair) and a subcommittee of Kent County Commissioners investigated the potential impact a sports commission could have on drawing visitors and increased spending to Kent County.

 

Estimated Construction Costs

To build this complex, again a public and private venture will be required and your help is needed.  The result will be a facility that contributes to the quality of life for area residents and provides a positive economic impact through visitor spending.

 

For more information on the Everyone Wins Baseball / Softball Complex or to donate, please visit www.EveryoneWinsHere.org