Construction begins on baseball fields

COLUMBIA — Baseball fans are one step closer to new fields now that construction on the 80 acres next to Boone County Fairgrounds is under way.

Phase one of a five-field tournament complex includes a 400-foot and 300-foot field, grading to prepare the site, an irrigation lake and a gravel parking lot for 140 vehicles, according to a press release from the Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday.

In 2002, Tom Atkins donated the land to the city and Boone County. The purpose of his donation was to provide land for youth recreation. Wilcoxson Excavating and Construction is contracted with the city to develop the site.

The complex will be co-owned by Columbia and Boone County.

The total cost for phase one is $1,445,355, which is broken down into $1,025,000 coming from the park sales tax, $220,355 from the recreation services fund, $76,005 from the land and water conservation fund and $123,995 from Boone County.

Phase two of the project will continue once funding is available.

The master plan for the new facility is available at gocolumbiamo.com.