DECATUR -- Over the last 100 years, the city of Decatur has always had a long-standing tradition of winning sport programs. From the State Champion Decatur Bulldog boys' basketball team of 1923 to Bracy Owens, Cameron Shaffer and the 4x400 relay team of Decatur High School 2016 track team, sports have become an integral part of life in this small town of 1,700. Now a new chapter in Decatur sports history is about to begin with the completion of the new Decatur Soccer Complex.
In March of 2015, the Decatur Youth Soccer program approached Decatur Mayor Bob Tharp about building a youth soccer field at Veterans Park. At present, the youth program uses the infield of the walking trail at the park for its practices. The program is unable to host games or tournaments due to its lack of a regulation-size soccer field.
After procuring two grants for the construction of the soccer field, Tharp turned to the city's engineering firm to research and design the new complex. Several sites at Veterans Park were considered but ultimately rejected for a variety of reasons. In March, 2016, the site was shifted to a piece of city owned property on Grant Ave. near City Well 5. That site was also rejected and new options were discussed. Finally, after nearly a year, a new site was approved just west of Veterans Park.
On a piece of city-owned property between Edmiston baseball field and Arkansas Highway 102, construction began on the new soccer complex. After three months of dirt removal, leveling and compacting, the project was finally completed on Dec. 13 and the Decatur Soccer Complex became a reality.
The field and surround berms were seeded with grass and, depending on the growing season over the next few months, the field will be ready for soccer in late April or early May. Until that time, city officials ask the public to refrain from using the field until the grass has had time to take root and growth begins.
The Decatur Soccer Complex consists of three fields, a regulation high school and two youth fields. The goals for the high school field are set on the east and west ends of the complex. The two youth fields are set side by side, splitting the larger one in half, with the goals set on the north and south ends.
With the completion of the soccer fields, the Decatur Sports Complex, which encompasses Edmiston, McCullum and Veterans Parks will offer Decatur residents a wide variety of opportunities for sports as spectators or participants. Some of the sport offerings at the complex include baseball, softball, T-ball, Frisbee golf, soccer and outdoor basketball.
McCullum Park, which was dedicated three years ago as a picnic area, offers spectators and athletes the opportunity to sit back and enjoy a nice shaded area away from the glare of the sun. The park opens up to a beautiful panoramic view of the new Frisbee Golf course, opened on June 30, 2016.
The summer of 2017 will prove to be an exciting one for Decatur area residents. The Decatur High School baseball and softball seasons are slated to begin in March. The Frisbee Golf course is open year round for those wishing to chase a plastic disc around a wide-open space.
In the heart of Decatur lies City Park, the home of the swimming pool and tennis courts. City Pool offers residents and their guests the opportunity to cool off during the hot summer months and touch up on their swimming skills. The tennis and basketball courts are open year round and are free for public use.
For more information about the Decatur Sports Complex, contact city hall at 752-3912.
Sports on 01/04/2017