City of Shawnee Seeks Money for Sports Complex

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

SHAWNEE, Oklahoma -- Tulsa and Oklahoma City both have big dreams and big projects. Some are wondering why the same is not true for smaller Oklahoma towns. In Shawnee - they're dreaming big.

It requires an effort of imagination now. But someday the field north of Shawnee is supposed to become a multi-million dollar sports complex. Ten years ago Shawnee voters empowered the city to construct a multi-use complex.

"There was the potential of a water park on this property, soccer fields and quads for baseball and softball," Shawnee City Manager Brian McDougal said.

Shawnee has 29 parks scattered around town, but nothing centralized, and nothing that could be a regional magnet. Finally, last month, the city commission approved the purchase of a 160 acre tract for $800,000--money from an earlier bond issue.

"I'm all for it and the city's needed it for a number of years," Shawnee resident Jim Stuart said. "It's been a long time coming, but I think it's a good idea. I think the location is good."

But the final design will need citizen input.

"Anything to help the youth stay off the streets and out of trouble, I think it's a good idea," Shawnee resident Patricia Williams said.

It may take up to five years to develop the complex. And it won't be cheap.

"I estimate probably somewhere in the $15 million range to develop it," McDougal said.

"It's a lot of money, and the city has other city needs, but I'll support it," Stuart said. "If they meet a method of raising money, I'll support it."