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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—Prospect Meadows campaign leaders announced today they have received a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Hall-Perrine Foundation, resulting in $10.9 million in committed funding for the first phase of the estimated $13.6 million project. A groundbreaking ceremony may be in sight for spring 2018 for the Prospect Meadows baseball and softball complex if the $900,000 needed to meet the challenge is raised by then. Every new dollar donated by residents and businesses now will be matched at $1.75, up to $1.5 million. The facility will include nine ball fields, with one field designated as the “Miracle Field” for all levels of mobility. “We are most grateful to The Hall-Perrine Foundation for its generous matching grant to help create a space that is important for our youth, including those with special needs and kids at risk. It is also a grand slam for area economic development,” said Jack Roeder, president of Prospect Meadows Inc. “This gift has helped us round third base and head toward home plate in our fundraising efforts for the first phase of this project.” The facility fills a void in the community, offering a space for local young people and those across the country to develop their athletic abilities and social skills. Currently, more than 500 local youth have access to only 50 area ballfields; this new venue will provide location and opportunity for more young people to become involved with the sport. “The Foundation is pleased to be part of a project that has so many returns for the community,” said Jack Evans, president of The Hall-Perrine Foundation. “Kids, families and the economy will benefit from this project.” Prospect Meadows will have far-reaching effects on the economy and tourism in the Greater Cedar Rapids area. An estimated 60,000 out-of-the-area visitors are expected to utilize and visit the new venue for games each year; combined with local use, it’s estimated that 120,000 people will repeatedly access Prospect Meadows annually as coaches, players and spectators. Prospect Meadows operations are expected to create nearly 200 full- and part-time jobs, with an annual payroll of more than $500,000 and $20 million in direct spending each year. “We’re very excited about the support we have already received for this project and hope this challenge grant will inspire others to give, allowing us to complete the first phase of the project by early 2019,” said Tim Strellner, the vice president of Prospect Meadows and the chairman for the capital campaign fundraising committee. More than $4.6 million has been committed through private funds to date, including contributions from campaign lead donors: The Hall-Perrine Foundation, Perfect Game, Hall & Hall Engineers, Musco Lighting, Transamerica, CRST and the Kiwanis and Optimist clubs. Another $6.3 million has been raised from public sources, which include Enhance Iowa, Iowa Department of Transportation, Linn County, Linn County Conservation, and the cities of Marion and Cedar Rapids. Beyond the challenge donations, remaining needed funding will come through loans to be paid back through operational income. “To help build the new facility, the capital campaign leadership team has established a variety of ways for people to give to meet the $900,000 challenge,” said Strellner. “Gifts can be made in cash or securities, real estate or grain.” Phase 1 construction will include a total of nine fields: eight state-of-the-art playing surfaces and one Miracle Field. This phase will also include the necessary concession, restrooms, dugouts and press box facilities. Additionally, site amenities including gardens, batting cages, walking trails and a recreation lake are planned for this phase. Phase 2 of construction to be completed in 2023 will include eight additional fields to support complex demand, along with playgrounds, additional trail space and other family friendly spaces. Prospect Meadows will be built northeast of Marion, Iowa, on 128 acres currently owned by Linn County. The county has agreed to lease the land to Prospect Meadows for $1 a year for 95 years. Preparatory earthwork is scheduled to begin this fall to comply with State of Iowa DOT RISE grant requirements, one of the grants Prospect Meadows received. For more information on Prospect Meadows Ball Fields, visit www.ProspectMeadows.com or contact Prospect Meadows at 319-393-1684.