Council reviews $15,000 feasibility study proposal for baseball complex at Hedges Boyer Park

Members of the Tiffin finance committee discussed an ordinance to appropriate $15,000 from the general fund for a 5–6 week feasibility study evaluating a proposed baseball complex at Hedges Boyer Park. The study would assess site suitability, infrastructure needs, economic impact, and gather community input, with findings to be presented to council for further action.

Committee members at the Aug. 11 finance meeting said the Hedges Boyer Park location lies within a floodplain and that additional planning — including a likely formal flood study to assess impacts along Rock Creek and flood mitigation measures — would be required before construction. City Engineer Matt Watson and the law director told the committee that flood mitigation and further planning are prerequisites to any definitive site recommendation.

Parks staff and proponents said specifics such as the number of fields would be determined by the study. Big Sticks Baseball Commissioner Kurt Malone urged strong resident engagement; local resident Vicki Klaus raised concerns about traffic and noise and about preserving the park’s character. Council members cited potential positive impacts on local businesses but also pressed staff on site viability and infrastructure challenges.

At the full council meeting the ordinance (2025-63) was on its second reading; no final appropriation vote was recorded at the Aug. 18 meeting. The finance committee record shows the committee considered the scope and recommended the study proceed to inform future council action.

Why it matters: a feasibility study would clarify whether a sports complex is physically and financially viable on a floodplain site and identify mitigation, funding and traffic implications for nearby neighborhoods.