Photo provided to the Times Observer A graphic outlining the four-phase proposal for expanding the Farm Colony complex in North Warren. The plan was pitched to the county commissioners during Monday’s work session.

A proposal for the future of the baseball fields at the Farm Colony complex is in hand.

It’s a four-phase program that checks in with a total price tax of $13 million.

But there’s some optimism that the first phase — parking, improving the entrance to the complex and an adaptive ballfield for athletes with special needs — is eminently achievable.

The proposal was made to the county commissioners during Monday’s work session.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston explained that the funding for the development of the plan were shifted from a plan proposal for the Grunderville landfill site.

He called the site a great asset for the people that use it but said it could be more heavily utilized.

“It is a gorgeous space,” he said. “It has a ton of potential… and the county owns it.”

The plan, developed by Mackin Engineering, resulted in an evaluation “to determine what the best use of the site would be if we did a redevelopment.”

The sticker shock — $13 million — was acknowledged but Eggleston said the plan is “fluid” and put together in phases. He said there was an emphasis to include amenities not readily available in the county north of the city.

The highlight of phase one is the adaptive ballfield, a turf surface that would allow access for those using walkers and wheelchairs.

Dr. William Clark, one of the key drivers for the improvements to the Lacy Park playground said the ballfield project is a “continuation” of that group.

“Lacy has been a real success,” he said. “That same cadre of individuals is behind this project as well.”

Clark said their current ask is for “a place to have a home to get that started,” highlighting the successful fundraising efforts the group undertook for Lacy.

“I think it’s a great project,” he said. “We really support this project whether at be at Farm Colony, Betts…. That challenger (field) is our next step.”

Eggleston estimated that the first phase could be completed for between $1 million and $1.5 million.

The ask of the commissioners Monday was a “green light” to proceed if funding can be secured.

What’s being requested — green light — if can get the money… can we do the first phase? That’s it.

Subsequent phases of the project would rehabilitate and reconfigure the ballfields, which would be designed to also be able to be used for soccer as well as the addition of other sports amenities — basketball, tennis, pickleball — as well as a trail and playground, among other amenities. A concession building is also part of the design.

Eggleston said it’s his view that the property should either be developed or sold.

Commissioner Tricia Durbin said “I don’t have a problem with it at all” if the project was fundraised.

Commissioner Ben Kafferlin suggested the county create a recreation authority that would be deeded the property and spearhead the project.

Durbin also raised the concern of future operating costs once complete.