Lease plan for ballfield complex breezes through Linn County hearing

Prospect Meadows' proposal to develop a baseball/softball complex on county-owned property sailed through a public hearing this morning.

"This allows us to really move forward," Jack Roeder told Linn County supervisors. "We're as excited today as we were a year ago."

Roeder is president of Prospect Meadows Inc., the non-profit pursuing the project. No one opposed the proposal to lease 121 acres near the intersection of Highway 13 and County Home Road during the brief hearing at this morning's work session.

The county's draft agreement with Prospect Meadows calls for a 20-year initial lease followed by three 25-year options. Prospect Meadows would pay $1 year for use of the land, currently rented to area farmers.

A formal agreement with the county will enable project backers to secure funding in the form of loans and grants. There's a chance work could begin this year if a financial package comes together, according to Roeder, although supervisors indicated they won't hold the project to a schedule.

"I'd rather you do it right," said Supervisor Brent Oleson, R-Marion. "I know it's something our community is looking forward to."

The supervisors will act on a resolution approving the lease at Wednesday's formal session.

Prospect Meadows

plans 17 baseball and softball diamonds, including two with stadium seating and eight with lighting. Backers predict the facility would draw 120,000 players and spectators to three dozen tournaments every season.