Crenshaw County residents flocked to Luverne on Aug. 15 to attend the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Crenshaw County Sports Complex and RV Park.

The complex is located just south of the Crenshaw County Hospital and will feature eight fields dedicated to softball, baseball, and t-ball as well as two fields for soccer and football, a track and field area, a recreational vehicle park, and a large pond surrounded by a walking trail.

Charlie Sankey, Chairman of the Crenshaw County Commission, said that the $15 million project will be funded by county tax revenue.

According to Probate Judge Will Tate, this new development is one of the largest economic projects in the history of Crenshaw County, and it is expected to have a huge impact on the community in the future.

“This sports complex will draw people to our area like never before,” Tate said during the ceremony. “This is just the beginning; When dirt starts to move, more dirt moving will follow. It will create opportunities for both kids and adults like our county has never seen before.”

Tate thanked District 97 Representative Chris Sells and District 25 Senator Will Barfoot for the crucial roles they played in getting the project off the ground as well as their continued support of the project.  

“These two gentlemen [Sells and Barfoot] that represent us in Montgomery go the extra mile on our behalf each and every day,” Tate said. “They are truly friends of Crenshaw County and for that we are truly grateful.” 

Barfoot shared Tate’s reverence for the project and, in response to Tate’s comments, expressed praise for the county officials who have dedicated their efforts to providing new opportunities within the community.

“This is a group effort, no doubt,” Barfoot said. “The Crenshaw County Commission is second to none. District 25, specifically Crenshaw County, has some of the top commissioners in the state and they should be applauded.”

Construction is already underway for the complex  and while no firm date has been set for completion, officials say their hope is for the complex to be open to the public within the next two years.