Next Phase of Ross Center Sports Complex Underway

A decade ago, just two baseball/softball fields and a small park stood adjacent to the Ross Community Center on Muncie’s southside. Beyond that were over 66 acres of concrete—the lasting relic of a once-thriving GM transmission plant.

Today, what has transpired on the grounds surrounding the Ross Center—and in the adjacent neighborhoods—has been nothing short of transformational.

At present, the sports complex is anchored by two “first-class” baseball/softball fields. The fields are now home to youth t-ball and baseball/softball programs that have been popular in the neighborhood for decades. New raised bed community gardens overflow with fruits and vegetables. A peaceful winding path features comfortable benches with nearly a dozen pergolas that were built by volunteers. Bright picnic tables provide a safe, outdoor gathering space for neighborhood friends and families. The façade of the Ross Center provides a welcoming entrance featuring hand painted murals and raised flower beds.

Panorama view of one of the Ross Center’s fields constructed several years ago.

Photo taken by David Heilman, FlatLand Resources.

And this fall, additional work is underway on site. A third baseball/softball field is under construction with a goal of being ready for spring play. A five acre asphalt parking lot that stood abandoned for decades is being converted to one adult and two junior regulation-size soccer fields as part of a $1 million grant awarded by the IU Health Foundation. Work will soon begin on a nearly one mile walking trail, also made possible by the IU Health Foundation, which will surround the sports complex. And by next spring, new playground equipment will be installed in front of the community gardens.

 “What is absolutely striking is the visual change over the past decade. Where there were once abandoned parking lots with rusty fences and weeds, there is now green space. There are gardens filled with blossoming flowers and benches. But on a deeper and more important level, there is a strong sense of renewed hope and possibility,” reflected Jud Fisher after a recent BBF staff visit to the Ross Center. “In the midst of the pandemic, the value of having safe, inspiring, outdoor spaces has become even more evident. Green spaces, trails, and recreational areas are absolutely vital to health and well-being. The tireless work, dedication, and vision of neighborhood residents as well as the Ross Center, the 8twelve Coalition, and others is deeply inspiring.” 

BBF staff visited the Ross Center this summer to see progress on the sports complex located on the north side of the Ross Center property.

Ball Brothers Foundation is one of eight funders who have committed funding totaling a little over $2 million for the sports complex and other outdoor improvements at the Ross Center.

In addition to outdoor improvements, the Ross Community Center has developed a full range of programs including a community market food distribution, after-school programming, music lessons and performances, preschool programming, and sports, health, and wellness programming.

Learn more here about the Ross Community Center which is located at 1110 West 10th Street in Muncie: https://www.rosscentermuncie.org/
Learn more here about the 8twelve Coalition: https://8twelvemuncie.com/