Osmond Sports Complex to begin phase two

Already a hub for fun and games in Antioch, the Tim Osmond Sports Complex is set to become bigger and better.

Village officials have announced details on phase two of the $3.5 million park. Construction of an additional football/soccer field, a baseball/softball field, restrooms and a storage building should begin next spring.

Recognizing a trend in the suburbs, planners also will add a bocce court and two baggo courts.

Antioch Township Supervisor Steve Smouse says he's delighted to see how far things have progressed.

"It's been great to see this coming together," Smouse said. "This is a place that everyone can enjoy. "

The partnership between the village of Antioch, the township and private donors began six years ago when community members raised about $160,000 to get things started.

Located on Depot Street just west of Deep Lake Road, the 80-acre park is Antioch's largest. Once all four phases are complete, it will include two football fields, two soccer fields, seven baseball/softball fields and other amenities.

The park opened in the spring of 2008.

The $560,000 price tag for the second phase will be paid for with a combination of an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant through the state Department of Natural Resources, private donations and federal stimulus money secured by state Rep. JoAnn Osmond.

The park is named in honor of her late husband, state representative Timothy H. Osmond, who died of a heart attack in 2002.

"Having my husband's name attached to this is such a great honor," Osmond said Thursday. "He loved kids and had such a fondness for them. I hear nothing but good things about this park."

Perhaps not as flashy as a new ball field, Smouse said a good chunk of phase two money will be spent on connecting water, sewer and electric utilities for the concession stand and washrooms.

The timetable for phases three and four are unclear at this point, Smouse said. But if all goes well, phase two improvements should be done by the end of next summer.

The park buzzes with activity most of the year. Smouse said local sports clubs like the Viking Youth Football Association, Antioch Youth Little League and others have made significant contributions to the success of the project.

"These folks have helped in great ways," Smouse said. "They've donated a lot of money and time to make this a quality park."