VIENNA Mathews boosters plan new athletic facility

The cost is estimated at $300,000.
VIENNA -- The Mathews Athletic Boosters hope to open a new athletic complex by late spring.
The facility will include batting and pitching cages for baseball and softball teams, public restrooms, locker and shower facilities for boys and girls, coaches' and athletic director offices and a concession area, said Mark Burcham, who heads the booster club's building committee.
Will be donated
The school board approved the plan Monday. The club will pay for the complex and donate it to the school district when it's complete.
The facility will eliminate the need for athletes to change into their uniforms in the elementary school's hallway or a classroom.
The cost is estimated at more than $300,000, and Burcham expects to have that number firmed up by next week.
The club has received verbal commitments for donations from businesses and organizations. The club, not the school district, is paying for the construction using contributions.
"We're still accepting donations," he said.
How to help
Contributions may be sent to the club at P.O. Box 813, Vienna 44473.
The school board rejected a similar plan from the club in 1992 because board members didn't believe the district could afford to maintain it, Burcham said. The board included different members at that time.
Burcham said he has filed an application for a permit to start the building.