$4.1 Million Park, Sports Fields Coming to South Haven

Plans are in the works for a 39-acre park with multiple sports fields in South Haven.

MLive reports that the South Haven Area Recreation Authority purchased land about 2 miles south of the city, on 14th Avenue for $396,895.

The purchase was partially funded by a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

According to a release from the South Haven Area Recreation Authority,

The planned park would increase recreational opportunity, promote physical fitness for residents and visitors, and act as a destination for events and tournaments."

As for the current fields on Aylworth Avenue the South Haven Area Recreation says,

Community growth and program participation has increased demand to a point that the extensive use of the current facilities... is causing wear and tear beyond the ability to sustain itself. In addition, the high number of teams, practices and games necessary to accommodate a season has increased so substantially that scheduling additional activities or introducing new teams is highly challenging or nearly impossible '

The estimated $4.1 million park will include two baseball fields, three softball fields, one little league field, one high school-sized soccer field, restrooms, and a concession area.

Construction is expected to take one year and to begin between 2019 and 2021,  "depending on the availability of project funding."