By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A group of Hays residents have come together to build an indoor sports complex south of Hays.

The complex will be located on nine acres two miles south of Hays on Main Street. The complex plan will go before the Ellis County Commission on Monday. The group developing the project hopes to break ground as soon as possible and have the facility open by Nov. 1.

A new $1 million 210-by-130-foot building will be constructed at the location. The center will house a 120-by-120-foot turf area, a high school regulation basketball court, weight training room and four batting cages.

The center will also have office space, a conference room and mezzanine so spectators can watch practices.

Jeremy Schmeidler and Dustin Washburn, both coaches for Thomas More Prep-Marian, are working on the project, but they said the center will be open via membership to teams and athletes from across the area.

The exact cost for memberships has not been determined yet, but Schmeidler said they have planned team and individual memberships, as well as clinics, camps and individual lessons.

Schmeidler and Washburn both helped create a five-team baseball league in the community and saw the need for a year-round practice space for local athletes. Many other communities have such facilities, including Wichita, Salina, Great Bend and Inman.

“I think this will be a game-changer for athletics in this town,” Schmeidler said. “We have been working out in cold sheds and garages. This will be a huge advantage for our kids.”