Batting Cages Approved for J.B. "Red" Owens Recreation Complex

Easley City Council voted to approve a resolution to move forward with the construction of new batting cages and bullpens at the J.B. "Red" Owens Recreation Complex on Monday.

After several years of planning, the council voted to award a contract for $312,000 to Phillips Brothers Construction to build new batting cages and bullpens before the start of the 2012 Big League World Series.

In January, the council moved to postpone a vote on the project so council members could review the plans for the project which will be paid for by using Hospitality Tax funds.

Councilman Brian Garrison said the project has been in the works for approximately 2-3 years.

"This will make our park, if it's not already one of the best in the state, I think it will make it the best," Garrison said.

The batting cages and bullpens will be available to the public when they are not in use by sports teams, city officials said.

Council members voted unanimously to approve the project with the exception of Councilwoman Kim Valentin who was not present for the vote.