Ball complex promotes local play, tourism

Baseball and softball season is well underway, and parents and grandparents are busy trekking kids to games at tournaments - a large majority of them outside Cedar Rapids/Marion/Linn County.

Prospect Meadows Ball Fields can change so much of that. Not only would the proposed new complex allow kids to stay here, but families from other areas in the Midwest would come and spend their dollars here. Also, the commitment of Cedar Rapids-based Perfect Game USA, the world's largest baseball scouting service, would boost visitors with players, teams and scouts.

These groups, along with visitors to the complex's Miracle Field for people with disabilities, would greatly boost tourism. Prospect Meadows research shows at least 120,000 people would attend annually, with 60,000 visitors filling 80,000 hotel room nights. That translates to $480,000 in taxes.

Prospect Meadows research indicates the events will generate $25 million in visitor spending each year.

I urge people to learn more about how this great project can help our community and to help when asked.

Marilee Fowler

President/CEO,

Cedar Rapids Area

Convention & Visitors

Bureau