The state-of-the-art sportsplex facility in Columbia, Mississippi, is now a staple in the community. The Yards at Columbia opened on March 30, 2023, with a special ceremony welcoming baseball fans and families to the multi-million-dollar sportsplex. The complex features six fields and a concession area for attendees to enjoy food and drinks. The sports plex features fields for junior high school and high school baseball, accommodating soccer and softball.
Dungan Engineering provided the design for the 8-million-dollar project on R.A. Johnson Drive. Taxpayers provided the tourism tax in 2018 to fund the new facility. Dungan started designing the field in February of 2021.
“The three percent tourism tax has also been divided and used in various ways throughout our community. It’s for parks and recreation, as well as downtown improvements and public events,” explained Columbia Mayor Justin McKenzie.
Dungan is excited to participate in a project that city officials hope will bring more tourism to the area and create more recreational opportunities for children.
“There have been times when people feel that they don’t get the proper amount of training or equipment, but I feel like this is a new way that will bring us together. Like, it won’t be just separated just because of schools. This will be a new way to bring us together entirely,” said Julia Johnson, Miss Hospitality for Marion County.
The sportsplex design is a symbolism of unity for all children and families to play the sport of baseball together.
