By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford Park District commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the sale of 1 acre of land at Beyer Park to the International Women’s Baseball Center for its future museum campus.
The district agreed to sell the land for $25,000 and lease the remaining three acres, where the Rockford Peaches once played, to the IWBC.
The museum is planned for the north end of the park while an activities center with indoor batting cages and practice space is planned for land on Seminary Street.
The $10 million development will not harm the historic integrity of the ticket booth or limestone steps that lead to the park, and baseball will still be played on the field, the IWBC has said. Park District officials say it will enhance the historic venue and create a one-of-a-kind experience for tourists and locals alike.
“Sports bring people together, and utilizing baseball to expand youth sports activities, programs, and leadership development opportunities is another way our community can ensure youth and teens are active and engaged,” said Scott Olson, president of the district’s board of commissioners, in a news release. “We believe this will have a direct impact on decreasing juvenile crime. The IWBC’s plans will also increase tourism and demand for local businesses, provide more job opportunities, and the campus will be a catalyst for economic development on the south side of Rockford.”
Related: City Council approves controversial zoning for women’s baseball museum at Beyer Park
The location of the museum spurred controversy because some of the key advocates for Beyer Stadium argued it forever alters the history of the park, such as the historic cinder track where Olympians once ran. The Friends of Beyer, a group that worked for years to save and preserve the park, and members of the Rockford Starfires baseball team, which plays at the park, had objected to the location.
“This team is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of women’s baseball internationally, but we are also dedicated to the youth of Rockford,” said Kat Williams, IWBC president, in a news release. “For that reason, one of the first elements to be completed will be the Activity Center which will provide recreational and educational opportunities, workshops, and a space for community gatherings. Collectively the elements of our campus will both preserve history and use it to inspire the youth of Rockford.”
A Place of Their Own fundraiser
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1 (VIP meet and greet and 5 p.m.)
Where: The Standard, 214 E. State St., Rockford.
What: The evening will include a special menu created by Taco Betty’s, raffle and a silent auction for sports-themed items. Event T-shirts will be available for purchase and guest are encouraged to wear sports-themed attire. Special leather baseballs will be available for purchase and the players’ replica
baseball cards will be free for autographs.
Cost: Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased ahead of time at Taco Betty’s, 212 E.
State St., online at internationalwomensbaseballcenter.org, or at the door the night of the
fundraiser.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.