Big hitters sought for Libertyville event
Big boppers are being challenged to flex their muscles in a new event designed to attract attention to the Libertyville Sports Complex.
A home run derby for 12-inch softball power hitters is the latest promotion from the fertile imagination of Connie Kowal, hired last month as the village's recreation and sports complex director.
“As we get into the playoffs in the fall (softball) session and the World Series at the major league level, I said, `I've got an idea,'“ Kowal explained.
Participants will have nine dates to take their best shot in the 12-inch Softball Home Run Derby Challenge. Qualifying rounds in three categories open, Libertyville residents and over 55 will be held at the Libertyville Sports Complex softball field and at Odom Field at Butler Lake Park.
The top five in each division will advance to the championship, under the lights at 5 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Sports Complex field, Route 45 and Peterson Road. Advance registration is $10 at econnect.libertyville.com or by contacting Scott Jenkins at (847) 367-7054 or sjenkins@libertyville.com. Walk-up registration is $15.
A public address announcer and music will contribute to the atmosphere at the finals.
“We're going to try and jazz it up,” Kowal said.
The event even has a local sponsor, the Phoenix agency of Allstate Insurance. Backing the special event ensures community spirit, says owner Sedrik Newbern.
Whatever raises awareness of the complex, which opened eight years ago and has fallen $7 million short of covering the bonds issued to buy the land and build the complex, is OK with village officials.
Kowal's title itself is indicative of a change in philosophy and focus. It was changed from director of parks and recreation with the ouster last May of James Zych, who held the post seven years. Reinventing the complex remains a major goal of village leaders.
The defunct mini-golf section and the driving range have been for sale for several years for potential commercial development, although the listing has expired and companies are being interviewed.
The village also restructured the sports complex bonds to buy time in hopes the cold commercial real estate market thaws.
“We'd like to sell it now. There are just no buyers out there,” Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler said during a recent board discussion. “We can't afford to sell it unless we get a certain dollar amount,” to retire the bonds.
A complete re-branding of the complex would be expensive, Kowal said, but the future potential has to be considered.
To that end, for example, the 169,000-square-foot main facility, which houses soccer and basketball courts, a climbing wall, fitness center and other amenities, is being referred to as an events center rather than an indoor sports complex.
The idea is to tweak the image and sell the space as a multipurpose venue where anything can happen. Making the most of the other elements, including the softball field, also is a priority.
“Right now, we need to be creative with what we've got,“ Kowal said.