Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“We’re not trying to make people mad, we just want to have some place for our kids,” said Pangburn Park Board President Shawn Halcomb, at a special meeting held on Thursday, February 7. The meeting was held at the suggestion of Versailles Town Council president John Holzer to discuss the issues concerning the proposed sports complex. Holzer opened the meeting by giving each of the speakers ten minutes to present their information. Those in attendance would then be allowed to ask questions.

Halcomb informed the town council of properties that are under consideration. The first one is property owned by Kenny Adams on Benham Road. This is 22 acres at a cost of $9,000 per acre, with three years to pay. This property is favored by sports complex board president Jerry Gilpin due to its location and the fact that the utilities are already in place. This location is opposed by the neighbors, with a petition presented at the January Versailles Town Council meeting by Bob Gray.

A second location is land owned by Roy Holman on State Road 421 across from the drive-in theater at a cost of $15,000 per acre. According to Halcomb, there is not as much land and the soccer fields would not be built.

Paul Morris, Holton, has offered two lots for sale for the sports complex at $10,000 per acre. These lots are located on County Road 175 and U.S. 50. Halcomb will need to find out what utilities are available on the land, and report his findings at a later meeting.

There are no other sports complexes in Ripley County, according to Halcomb. Gilpin believes that this would be beneficial to Versailles economically. “I think it is a worthwhile project,” said Gilpin. “If I had the money as a private citizen, I would do it.” According to Gilpin, the cost of the complex will be funded entirely by grant money and would not cost the town a dime. He says there is already $130,000 available in grant money. He said he would like to have the town involved because a park board is already established. Also, the town has the capability of getting grants at a faster rate.

“Consider this, if you didn’t want this in your backyard, what would you do?” questioned Bob Gray, homeowner on Benham Road. He is opposed to the complex being located near his property. He read the letter that was with the petition, which was signed by neighbors who are all adamantly against a sports complex in that area. According to Gray, the land considered for the complex is zoned for single family homes. “We are not opposed to the sports complex, said Gray, “just the location.” He went on to say, “I’m glad that you have looked at other properties.”

According to Halcomb, the sports complex has the potential to generate income, not just for the complex, but also for the town. He noted that tournaments will include payment from participating teams as well as spectators paying to attend and buying from the concession stand. The town’s businesses will benefit from the purchase of gas and food. He points out that the sports complex would be financially self-sustaining and that expenses would come from the park board budget. “I guarantee that with four ball fields, a tournament would generate about $15,000,” said Halcomb.

Another concern was the use of the lights at the ball fields. According to Halcomb, with the number of fields planned, several games can be played at the same time. During daylight savings time, the use of lights would not be necessary. Gilpin also noted that, in the case of the Benham Road property, barriers are planned, as well as fields being built 800 feet from the property line in consideration of the neighbors.

The town council collectively supports the sports complex project. “There is no one on this town board who doesn’t want a sports complex. It’s time. We need it,” said Holzer. He went on to say, “My main concerns are those who are against it. I don’t want controversy.” Holzer suggested looking more closely into purchasing property owned by Paul Morris. Considerations will need to include the cost of utilities, and what would be needed to get the complex up to code. According to town attorney Larry Eaton, there are several legal issues to be considered, too. For instance, the town cannot go into debt to buy land.

According to Halcomb, there are 480 kids who participate in the summer ball program. They play 135 games in 33 days. Gilpin and Halcomb both hope to have the sports complex built by the spring of 2009.

Another special meeting between the town council and Pangburn Park Board concerning the sports complex will be held at a later date.