Issue of the Month: Kent County Sports Commission—2nd Edition

In May 2013 I wrote about the Kent County Sports Commission, and the purpose of that body for our citizens. During the past fifteen months there have been many activities of the Sports Commission that I want to tell you about. The Sports Commission recently opened the Art Van Baseball field near Rockford. This new resource for baseball and softball for all levels of ability is already fully scheduled for the rest of the year. The new Miracle Field, built as part of the baseball/softball complex, will make it possible to hold games at which players with disabilities will be able to compete. The Sports Commission has gradually grown in influence and economic impact within the West Michigan area. The 5th Meijer State Summer Olympics this year had 39 sport offerings with 7,000 athletes participating, and nearly $2.8 million in direct spending by families and participants with hotels, meals, and other purchases. This was the 1st year the Sports Commission offered the Meijer State Winter Olympics with 12 sport offerings and another 2,000 participants—with its accompanying boost to our local economy. While we may not all agree we should spend our time and effort on sports—when we have many other issues to solve—we cannot dismiss the basic economic engine this Commission has had on our local economy, and the improvement in quality of life as a result. Visit www.accesskent.org for more information.