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On Friday, July 22nd officials throughout Cortland County joined Town of Cortlandville officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of Phase 2 of Gutchess Park.
Phase 2, scheduled to begin construction within two weeks will add two more turf surface fields that will accommodate baseball and softball. The project will also add new dugouts, batting cages, a batting tunnel, lighting, additional parking, and a centralized building between the four fields for concessions, locker rooms, offices, and bathrooms.
At the press conference for the groundbreaking was a representative from PBR. PBR (Prep Baseball Report) is the company in charge of bringing tournaments and players to the park.
“In 2022 we will host over 200 teams from eight different states and our goal for 2023 is we hopefully double that number” Said Bhrett Goodmiller, a representative from PRB.
The complex was stated not only by the Town of Cortlandville Supervisor Tom Williams, but also City of Cortland Mayor Scott Steve and Cortland County Legislative Chairman Kevin Fitch as a major economic boost to the area with visitors coming for the games, staying in local hotels, and spending money locally.
“It is an economic stimulus that we have here and we’re really seeing property being utilized that we envisioned it and that is paramount for Cortland County.” Cortland County Legislative Chairman Kevin Fitch said.
The Town of Cortlandville currently has a 100-acres that it acquired from a deal with Gutchess Lumber from a land swap agreement. The park opened the first two fields in 2019.
Phase two will cost an estimated $3.1 million dollars to complete and is expected to double the occupational capacity with a completion date for early summer 2023.
Smith Site Development will begin construction for phase 2 after being chosen by the town as the lowest bidder.
After phase 2 is complete the Town of Cortlandville looks to continue its plan construction with more fields designated for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and more.
