The final base of the Prospect Meadows vision is the Economic Impact of the weekend tournaments. This year’s highlights are listed below, and we will continue to increase all of the bullet points in 2022.
- Over 10,000 hotel rooms were used in the area.
- A ten-million-dollar economic impact to the community.
- Over 800 teams from 17 different states, attended tournaments at Prospect Meadows this season.
- 112,000 people entered the gates at Prospect Meadows in 2021.
- Nearly 700 local youth baseball and softball games were played.
- 15 extra events were held, including the Metro High School tournament.
Even though we have many things to do and fundraising will always be top of mind for our organization, listed below are some of the improvements we have added to the facility since we opened in June of 2019.
- June 1, 2020-Four permanent restrooms located near the main entrance were completed
- May 1, 2021-Opened a 2nd entrance for teams playing on the Transamerica Quad
- November 1, 2021-Anticipated completion of the front entrance building allowing all staff to work from offices on site
- November 30, 2021-Planting of 30 trees planned on grounds of complex to be completed
On behalf of the entire Prospect Meadows team, thanks again for your support of Prospect Meadows and we look forward to an even better year in 2022.
Have a great weekend and off-season!
Jack Roeder
Another campaign is in the books, (this time a full season) and we ended up on a great note hosting the 3rd annual Mya Strong Foundation cancer fundraiser this past weekend, which raised over $25,000 to benefit kids and families as they fight cancer. Mya Gilchrist is an amazing 15-year-old who has battled cancer since she was 18 months old. She and her family created the foundation and this event to help other kids with cancer. It started with just eight teams three years ago, hosted 50 teams this year, and after this weekend’s successful event, 65 teams have reserved spots for next year’s tournament, including some out of state teams. You only have to be around Mya for a few minutes to fall in love with her, and the attachments https://www.kcrg.com/2021/10/18/mya-strong-foundation-continues-raising-funds-pediatric-cancer-with-annual-softball-tournament will bring a tear to your eyes. (photos attached)
The Kiwanis Miracle League wrapped up their season with a fun-filled picnic held on Sunday, October 10th. It was a rainy day, but that didn’t stop everyone from coming out and having a great time. https://www.kcrg.com/2021/10/11/kiwanis-miracle-league-hosts-end-year-banquet/ This was the first year we were able to hold both the spring and fall seasons of the Miracle League for differently-abled children. 60 kids participated in the free league by forming six teams, and playing on Saturday mornings from 9:00 until noon. Over 300 were in attendance each week to watch and participate. Continued expansion of the Miracle League is in the works for 2022.
We were also able to use the Miracle League Field for Discovery Living, a local non-profit organization that provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Prospect Meadows hosted an 8-week softball program offering the use of the Miracle Field and equipment at no charge to the organization. Weekly attendance averaged a total of 102 participants, spectators, and Discovery Living staff.
The Optimist League of Dreams had 54 children participate in their coach pitch program for boys and girls in grades 2-5. This free, noncompetitive league, is a great way to reach the area’s underserved population (photos attached) while providing positive sports training and team camaraderie. We are hoping to reach at least 75 children for the 2022 season. There is no charge to participants or families for the League of Dreams thanks to our partnership with Cedar Rapids Noon Optimist Club, along with a big assist from Perfect Game, and the Kernels Foundation. Other sponsors of the LOD include Fleet Farm, Fosters Heating and Air Conditioning, Pizza Ranch, and some very generous 2020 Giving Tuesday Donors.
Jack