Play ball! Osmond Park fields, playground ready
Five years ago, Antioch leaders had a vision for a large park with dozens of playing fields for local children.
Architects were hired and donations solicited. The community rallied for the cause and raised about $160,000.
Phase 1 of the four-phase project is completed, and on April 19, the public will get its first look at Tim Osmond Sports Complex.
"I'm thrilled that we are at this point, finally," said Antioch Mayor Dorothy Larson. "For the last 10 to 15 years, there has been such a great need in this community for sports fields. This is really a worthwhile project. Tim was an old and dear friend. I think he would approve too."
The 80-acre park is the largest in Antioch, and once finished will include two football fields, two soccer fields, seven softball fields and other amenities.
Phase one includes game-quality football and baseball fields, a disc golf course, picnic center and community-scale playground.
It honors the late state representative Timothy H. Osmond, who died of a heart attack in 2002.
The $3.5 million sports complex is an intergovernmental project between the village of Antioch and Antioch Township.
The township used a grant to purchase 40 acres adjacent to 40 vacant acres owned by the village. A joint park board was formed to secure funds for the project.
From the beginning, it was clear donations would be needed to make the park a reality.
The park is also dependent on a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program grant through the state Department of Natural Resources.
Architects say each phase will cost about $875,000. The other three phases of the project may have to be completed every other year to allow the village and township time to obtain the DNR grant.
"We've still got a couple things to finish up -- goal posts for the football fields and a little bit of playground work -- but it looks great," said Antioch Township Supervisor Steve Smouse.
Smouse said Phase 2 will begin soon, and include water and sewer for the rest rooms, more fields and buildings for concessions.
A dedication and opening ceremony is planned at 1 p.m. April 19 at the park, at the south side of Depot Street, about ¾ of a mile west of Deep Lake Road.
Following the dedication, the Osmond family will unveil the Timothy H. Osmond Exhibit by Catalina Island Museum Curator Jeannine Pedersen from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Meeting House, 977 Main St.
If you go
What: Tim Osmond Sports Complex dedication
Where: The sports complex is on Depot Street, three-quarters of a mile west of Deep Lake Road.
When: 1 p.m. April 19
Purpose: The community has spent the last five years raising money for the 80-acre park. It will feature two football fields, two soccer fields, seven softball fields and other amenities.