Copper Thieves Hit New Edmond Soft Ball Complex

Copper thieves struck an Edmond city project, racking up a pretty large bill in damages.

A new soft ball complex off Post Road and Route 66 is set to open soon despite several setbacks.

The city of Edmond was anxious to finally open a $6-million dollar softball facility in March. But after already two delays, (they pushed the opening back a year), not even thieves could steal this season.

"The idea behind this is to create a first-class venue for softball," said Casey Moore with the City of Edmond.

Moore hoped the only theft at Edmond 66 Park would be made by the players stealing bases.

"Going into any project, you hope everything going to run smoothly. And if things happen, you adjust and move forward," said Moore.

That's what Moore and crews are now doing after thieves snuck into the facility overnight and stole copper. But they damaged much more. Combined with the cost of the stolen copper, total damages will cost the city nearly $100,000.

It is an expense that Moore said could have been used for a different project at a later time. It's also caused the third delay in a project that has been ongoing since 2012.

"Initially with the lighting, then another one with a well that collapsed," said Moore.

With each delay, anticipation grows.

"It's going to be hands down much better than the fields we currently play on. I'm super excited and I know the rest of our team is," said Ben Smith, an Edmond softball player.

Smith is one softball player who will take the field when the gates open. And he is one of many who can't believe this happened before opening day.

"It's just a shame, it's a real shame," said Smith.

"We were disappointed, but it's one of those things that you learn from," said Moore.

The four field complex will open in the middle of March and will be ran by the Adult Softball Association.