Prospect Meadows in Marion Is Now Open

Let me start by saying congratulations to Rick Freese, Jack Roeder, and everyone involved for making a big dream an impressive reality.

It was about nine years ago that Roeder was preparing to retire after being the longtime, and beloved, General Manager of the Cedar Rapids Kernels. That's when he was approached by Freese about building a world-class baseball/softball complex somewhere in Linn County.

After raising more than $11.7 million, construction started two years ago on the southeast corner of Highway 13 and County Home Road. The dream has become a reality.

Prospect Meadows has nine fields. One of the fields is a Miracle Field that has wheelchair-accessible dugouts, a totally flat surface, and a cushioned, rubberized surface to prevent injuries.

KCRG reports that Prospect Meadows can host as many as 60 teams and 600 players in a single weekend. All fields are turf and will feature removable pitchers mounds. A simple move of bases will accommodate different age baseball or softball players.

Perfect Game is a key partner for the new complex, promising to bring 1,000 teams to the complex for each of the next 15 years. They're hosting their first tournament at Prospect Meadows Friday through Memorial Day.

Game Day USA hosts a tournament next weekend, with Perfect Game holding an invitational tourney June 7 through 10. Prospect Meadows is going to be a busy place.